Simple shading and gradients for flat colors

Flat colors look clean, but a little shading makes a picture feel finished. You do not need advanced skills; three simple techniques are enough to add depth to almost any drawing.

Decide where the light comes from

Before shading anything, choose a light source, for example the top left corner. Every shape will be lighter on the side facing the light and darker on the opposite side. Keeping this one rule consistent is the secret behind most convincing shading.

Technique 1: light and shade fills

A gradient fill moves smoothly from one tone to another inside an area. A light gradient goes from a pale version of the color to the full color; a shade gradient goes from the full color to a darker one. Use light gradients on areas near your light source and shade gradients on the far side. In Boya Bakalım these are the Glow and Shade fill styles.

Technique 2: layering with transparent strokes

Lower the brush opacity and add strokes of a darker color along the edges of a shape. Each new stroke adds a little more depth. Watercolor and marker brushes are good for this because their strokes blend softly when they overlap.

Technique 3: highlights

A few small strokes of white or a very light color on the side facing the light make shapes look round and shiny. Use them sparingly, on eyes, petals, water and glass.

Shadows are colors too

Shadows rarely look good in plain grey or black. Try a darker, slightly bluer or purple version of the base color. A yellow sunflower petal, for example, looks natural with a warm orange shadow.

Practice on a simple shape

Pick a picture with large rounded areas, such as a balloon or an apple, and practise all three techniques on it. Once they feel natural, try them on a detailed flower or animal.