What? No way! There were so many great entries this month! Thank you to everyone. I enjoyed this month’s topic @Famouzy 
I need a little bit to contemplate a good topic for December. I like to keep in mind that it’s called a challenge for a reason. It’s supposed to get us out of our comfort zones and help expand our skills and knowledge of Krita. With that said, I’ll announce a new topic in a couple hours or so. (I think I’m hearing some groaning in the background 
)
@sooz
For December’s challenge, I have chosen “Chiaroscuro”.
The word is an artistic term for the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects and the illusion of 3D. Often, in art and photography, the use of light is what really sets a painting or photo apart from others. It gives it the “wow” factor. Caravaggio and Rembrandt were masters of chiaroscuro.
It can be a real challenge to add contrasting light and shadows to your subject matter, which is why I have chosen it for December’s challenge. I see many new Krita artists on the forum asking for advice on how to improve their work, and many times, all it needs is some interesting light and corresponding shadows. Good reference examples will help until you get a feel of directional light and shadow.
You may use any subject matter you like… figurative, still life, landscape, animals, portrait, abstract, anything. Black & white, grayscale or color. But decide on your direction of light… whether it’s from the side, above, or below, and create strong contrasts with corresponding shadows and backgrounds.
Tip: Using the “Multiply” feature on a brush or a whole layer can help create good contrasts. Some of the other layer blending modes are fun to experiment with as well. I am still learning too!
I have no optional challenge, but if @edgarej would like to add an optional challenge, he is most welcome.
(See examples of chiaroscuro used in classical art here: Chiaroscuro – Google Drive
A post was merged into an existing topic: Monthly Art Challenge WIPs and Discussion Thread – December 2025
Congratulations @Elixiah
Optional Challenge: Make it a Christmas Theme Illustration…
like so…
Above photo isn’t quite chiaroscuro… I could have darkened some of the areas more…. but you get the idea, Christmas theme Chiraroscuro
@edgarej Great optional challenge! I think your example painting qualifies as chiaroscuro just fine. Some are darker than others, but the principle is the same. Big contrasts between light and shadow.
Thanks @Elixiah
Congratulations @Elixiah, great job!
