The Power of Light and Shadow in Oil Painting

— Claude Monet

Claude Monet's Haystacks (Effect of Snow and Sun), created in 1891, is an oil on canvas measuring 25 3/4 x 36 1/4 in. (65.4 x 92.1 cm), part of the H. O. Havemeyer Collection, bequeathed by Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer in 1929 Light and shadow are fundamental to creating mood and depth in an oil painting. When I think of light’s transformative power, I often look to Monet—one of my favorite artists. His understanding of light was profound, especially in his Haystacks series, where he captured the same scene across different times of day. Each version feels distinct—some warm and inviting, others mysterious and calm—all thanks to the shifts in light. His work reminds me that light brings a unique story to each piece, something I strive to bring into my own practice.

Shadows are essential for bringing dimension and balance to a painting. Monet’s shadows weren’t simply dark; they held hints of color and texture, adding richness to his landscapes. Rarely did he use pure black. In my own art practice, I’m learning to take a similar approach, treating shadows as a balance to light and adding subtle layers and hues to create depth. Sometimes, shadows can be as expressive as the brightest highlights.

Oil paint is perfect for layering, and I often layer light and shadow to create three-dimensional effects. I’ll build up thin layers, allowing light to interact with the colors beneath the surface, creating a glow unique to oils—a technique we call underpainting. By adding warm and cool tones within these layers, shadows and light take on their own life, giving the painting depth and inviting viewers to explore the details up close.

There’s something special about painting with November’s subtle light. It’s a season that invites us to pause and look a little closer—to appreciate the way shadows fall or how soft light can be deeply expressive. I’m inspired by this quieter palette, and I hope my recent works convey the reflective beauty of this season through the delicate dance of light and shadow. --- Monet's Exploration of Light Brodskaia, N. (2014). Claude Monet. Parkstone Press International.

The Importance of Light and Shadow in Art Gombrich, E. H. (2009). The Story of Art (16th Edition). Phaidon Press.

Layering and Underpainting in Oil Painting Mayer, R. (1991). The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques (5th Edition). Viking.