How to Paint Black Canvas

Things You'll Need

Black canvas
Palette
Palette knife
Acrylic paint brushes
Acrylic paints
White pastel pencil
Container of clean water
Paper Towels or rags

The artist may find a black convas less daunting than a white canvas.

Working with a black canvas can add a new dimension to your painting. It might allow you to create bright vignettes, moody pieces and paintings created in one session. The black background gives the artist the opportunity leave large areas of the canvas unpainted. Few people would surmise that the painter used a black canvas after such a work is completed.

Step 1

The use of fine lines is important when painting on a black canvas.

Draw a sketch using a white or light-gray pastel pencil. Once done, cover the lines with white paint. Use a fine-line acrylic brush.

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Step 2

Paint can be applied quickly and evenly with a palette knife.

Block out areas on the canvas that will not be black; use the mid-tone of the hues you have selected. It is acceptable for black to show through the blocked-out areas. Blocking can be done using a palette knife or a brush.

Step 3

Black can be left to outline the painted objects on a canvas.

Apply darker tones to the blocked-in areas; this gives dimension and depth to the painting. You may cover all the black, or leave some showing.

Step 4

Use white paint on top of the lightest tones of paint to add greater contrast.

Add light tones to the canvas, creating a greater sense of depth and making the objects appear to lift from the canvas. Apply as much or a little of these tones as you like, depending on the mood you wish to set.

Tip

Always keep your brushes and palette knife clean. Using multiple containers for cleaning brushes can make this easier.

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