Practicing Painting Solids

• 1). Study the object you wish to paint, trying to abstract it from its surroundings so you see only it. Using a pencil and paper, sketch the outline of the shape. Then, using charcoals, add shading to show light and shadow on the object, bringing it into a more realistic perspective.
  
  
• 2). Soften the edges of your sketch with your finger or a tissue, remembering that few solids actually have a distinct line around them. Experiment with contextualizing your solid in its surroundings (i.e., by sketching the objects around it). Practice the first two steps until you feel comfortable rendering your solid on canvas.
  
  
• 3). Mix the colors you will need on your palette and set up your prepared canvas on the easel. Use the primary shade of your object to create the basic shape. If your object is transparent or semi-transparent, use a thinned layer of paint; use a thicker layer for more solid objects. Completely cover the canvas where your object is, as bare canvas detracts from a realistic depiction.
  
  
• 4). Add shading and detail to your shape while the basic layer is still tacky. If light is shining on your solid, use a lighter version of its tone; for shadow, go darker. As in your sketch, keep your lines soft and not heavier than the bulk of the solid.
  
  
• 5). Bring your solid into its surroundings by painting the shadow it casts and the object onto which the shadow is cast. For a more realistic effect, use a darker shade of the solid onto which the shadow is cast instead of black or gray. Unless the solid casts a dark shadow, use a thinned layer of paint for this.