How do you add shadows for 3d?

OKay, I've been seeing all these 3d designs lately... you know, like a spider with a shadow under. So, what kind of paint/technique is used to get that effect?

For the shadows themselves, use either light grey or black wash. I prefer the black wash since the translucence is more believeable. It's really a trial and error process on where to place the shadows if you're like me and not one of those people who can easily picture where the shadow would fall.
Next to make your image pop off the skin is the white highlights on top of the say, spider...again you have to think about where the light would hit on the top of the spider.
My best suggestion is if you get a chance, take a class from Pashur because he covers this technique fantastically...
BTW - I'll be in Chicago for a reunion this July, maybe we could get together and jam?
Good Luck
Cheryl

Ditto... except I've been using a brown/black wash. I use the snazz jumbo pallates, and I keep a hole open for watering down a bit of brown with a teeny bit of black.

Eiether a smudged or painted shadow to suit the skin (usually more brown than anything) or sometimes I use cake black or white or a dried-to-a-powder wash I made myself. Depends on the effect.

Cat x

Thank you all for the advice.

I like to use a normal brown eyeshadow, it makes the shadow transparent and looks natural on most pale people. Plus it is really fast and easy to fix if you make a mistake. For darker skin tones, black/brown is a good colour.

good to know...I could use this advice too!

research drop shawdows - it is important to identify where your light source is. I find I am going back into classical training and sketching more to delevop my painting. Who new -there's always so much to learn or relearn.