The Trouble With Black is …
Well the short answer is it’s usually very flat looking. It lacks dimension and richness. And anyone who has perused my blog can see I LOVE color. I infuse it in almost all the work I do. Even the pieces where I want a realistic looking animal (like the one I’m currently working on) I am constantly trying to reel myself in with color usage.
The one color (though I think technically not a color) I limit my use of is black. I hear often enough artists’ saying I don’t use black and even more so, I don’t use white. Which to be honest has always struck me as a bit college art course inspired. I firmly believe that both black and white should be made up of a veritable rainbow of colors but to not use them at all … well … you are limiting your range of contrast.
When I’ve been asked if I use either of these colors well you know by now that the answer is yes.
I do.
All of the time.
Perhaps this is because I’m self taught. Or perhaps it’s because I love intense pop of color and strong contrasts. Whatever the reason I use both black and white so much that I am always buying high quantities of both when getting open stock supplies.
Please note that “Nothing” is done on this little wooly bully. But I got to a point where in order to progress with the shadowing on the calf I needed to get the background in. In my reference photo it was solid black. High contrast yes, but as mentioned kinda flat looking. SO here’s a few photos showing my progression to a very dark background.
The main two colors I used here are inktense (Derwent’s water soluble ink pencils) Dark Indigo and Chocolate. When combined they make a lovely purpley-bluey-brown wash.
See what I mean. So after my board has dried I begin working in the browns, purples and yes black. This layer stays dry though I do hit it with a coating of fixative spray to keep it from dusting all over my whites.
The background is close to being done, but now it’s time to go back and work on the calf some. Maybe another day or two. I need to work on gallery stuff but I’m having a hard time pulling myself away from my drafting table.
Too many cows yet to be painted I guess.
NOTE: I think those who work in oils can get away with expanses of black a little more easily due to the richness and quality of the pigment. Watercolor pencils though … not so much.
it’s always a joy to see your posts. that’s a lovely background that has subtle movement, and the calf – just precious!
I love, love, love your art and this baby is coming along beautifully. She is fluffy, rich and deep with your objective of making aspects of her coat pop. Love indigo and chocolate, nice combination.
I use white and black in my paintings, not all the time and usually if I’m looking for a certain tone – I understand what you are working to accomplish and how.
I am enjoying watching progress on your wooly bully. Pretty sure all artists use a lot of white and some black. I know I do.
Maybe it’s a Midwest thing. I get asked all the time what color do I use for white. I’m like … white.
Like….white eh! I am Canadian
Loving the progression you have showed us, and this guy is going to be fantastic when you are finished. You can’t have the light without the dark, so for me, black and white is a must. š