Painting Light & Shadow in Foliage

Discover how to bring depth, drama, and realism to your paintings in this in-person painting class led by Constantino Milan.

Painting Light & Shadow in Foliage is a simplified lesson designed to help you master the timeless technique of chiaroscuro: the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create the illusion of volume and three-dimensional form. Often associated with classical painting, chiaroscuro is especially powerful when applied to natural elements like leaves and trees, where light filters, reflects, and creates dynamic shadow patterns.

In this session, Constantino will guide you through a clear, step-by-step oil painting process, carefully simplified so you can concentrate fully on understanding and applying this essential technique. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by complexity, you’ll work through a structured approach that breaks down how light behaves in foliage and how to translate that onto canvas.

This class is ideal for artists who want to strengthen their understanding of light, improve realism in their work, and gain confidence using oils in a controlled, supportive setting.

By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a deeper grasp of how to shape form with light and shadow, and a painting that reflects your new skills.