Chiaroscuro painting utilizes very strong elements of light and dark in the artwork. This style of painting is known for its moody and intimate atmosphere as well as the dramatic and often times foreboding play of shadows across the faces in the painting itself. Creating a chiaroscuro-style painting depends on mastering the play of light across a form and how that form in turn manipulates the light as well as shadows.
Mapping out the Painting
With all paintings it is best to create the line work. You'll probably want to map out all of the lines as each line on the drawing can have some effect on how the light and shadow play on your painting.
You should also decide on the light source in your painting as this is one of the single most important aspects of chiaroscuro painting. Where you place your light source will determine where the light is cast on the subject as well as where the shadows are. Typically in chiaroscuro painting the light source is small, like a candle, torch or even a small crack in the window. This allows for a more intimate play of light and shadow on the subject.
Painting the Mid-tones
Once you have done your line work and decided on your light source, you can begin painting your mid-tones. At this stage you won't need to add too much light and shadow however, it is always a good idea to keep the basic light and shadow in mind. Lay down enough color and hues so that when you go back in later and heighten the light and shadows it will create a dramatic effect.
Make sure that your light source will create dramatic lighting as well. Take a look out the colors you are putting down and try to imagine how they will look with very bold shadows coming from your light source. It is important that the shadows and light do not confuse the image but add to the emotional feel of the painting. This is the last chance you have for redoing your light source if you find it's not working well in your composition.
Creating Dramatic Lighting
Creating bold and dramatic lighting is at the very heart of chiaroscuro painting. While keeping your light source in mind, paint the strong shadows onto your painting. Most shadows are not actually black but very dark navy blue. Try using this color in the areas that are furthest away from or blocked from the light source. Don't be afraid to be slightly melodramatic with the shadows as this will create an emotional quality reflective of most chiaroscuro paintings.
Try to add highlights that have a bit of the color from the light source. For example, if the light source is a candle or torch, the highlights splashing on the subject should have some warm colors such as yellows, oranges or reds in them. If the light source is cool, like the glow of the moon through an open slat in a barn roof, the highlights should have some blues and cool colors in them.
