Paint it Black
Exploring Artists' Black Paint: Versatility, Mixing Techniques, and Artistic Inspiration
Black paint often takes a back seat to vibrant reds, blues, and yellows in discussions about colour theory. However, for many artists, black is an indispensable hue, rich with potential for creative expression. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of artists’ black paint, explore its uses, discuss the unique properties of different types of black, and how mixing them can unlock new dimensions of colour. We’ll also highlight iconic artists who embraced black in their palettes, demonstrating its transformative power in art.
Understanding Artists’ Black Paint
Not all blacks are created equal. Artists’ black paints vary in composition, tone, and opacity, which can dramatically impact how they behave in a piece. Here are some of the most commonly used blacks:
Pigment index numbers are standardised codes assigned to pigments used in paints and inks. They are critical for identifying the actual pigments in a colour.
- Ivory Black or Bone Black PBk9: Made from charred animal bones, it has a warm, semi-transparent quality. Perfect for glazing and creating softer shadows.
- Mars Black PBk11: A synthetic pigment, Mars Black is opaque and has a cooler, bluish undertone. It’s ideal for bold, graphic work or when high coverage is needed. Dries much faster than the carbon based black pigments and Ivory Black.
- Lamp Black PBk6: Produced from soot, it offers a dense, rich black with a cool undertone. It’s great for creating crisp lines and deep contrasts.
- Carbon Black PBk7: Is a deep, opaque black pigment made from pure carbon, known for its strong tinting strength and cool undertones.
- Payne’s Gray: A blend of PBk7 (Carbon Black), PB29 (Ultramarine Blue), and sometimes violet PV19 (Quinacridone Violet), this versatile colour is much softer than pure black, making it a favourite for atmospheric effects and its composition can vary by brand. The exact formulation depends on the manufacturer, so Payne's Gray may have a cooler or warmer tone based on the mix. Some versions lean toward a blue-grey, while others are more neutral.
- Process Black: Is typically a slightly less opaque black with a neutral to cool undertone, designed to mimic the transparency and blending qualities of its printing ink counterpart. It often appears softer than carbon or Mars Black.
It does depend on the brand you buy as to what the mass colour turns out like, brands do differ, even when they use the same pigment name. If you find that your black is too cold in temperature you can add some Raw Umber or if it is too warm you can add a cool blue pigment like Prussian Blue, this should help you achieve your desired colour.
How Artists Use Black Paint
1. Creating Depth and Dimension
Black is often used to define shadows, create dramatic contrasts, and add depth to compositions. Its presence can ground an artwork, lending it structure and weight.
2. Mixing to Neutralise or Enhance Colours
Blacks are invaluable for mixing. Adding Mars Black to blues creates cooler tones, while Ivory Black can warm up reds and yellows. Payne’s Gray, with its bluish tint, can create moody purples and soft greens when mixed with other colours.
3. Layering and Glazing
Transparent blacks like Ivory Black are often used for glazing, adding subtle layers of shadow or atmosphere without overpowering the underlying colours, add a medium to extend your pigment rather than using too much water, which will cause under-binding.
Mixing Blacks for Unique Effects
Artists often mix blacks with other hues to expand their palettes. Here are a few creative combinations:
- Black + White = Tints of Grey: By varying the ratio, you can create a gradient of greys with unique undertones depending on the type of black used.
- Black + Ultramarine Blue = Intense Midnight Blue: Perfect for nightscapes or celestial themes.
- Black + Burnt Sienna = Rich Sepia: A warm, earthy tone ideal for portraits or rustic scenes.
- Black + Viridian = Forest Green: Adds depth and complexity to landscapes.
- Back + Yellow: Mix any Black and any Yellow to create a range of rich or vibrant greens, perfect for foliage, forests and jungle scenes. Aim to vary the ratio of black and yellow to create a range of dark rich greens to light vivid hues.
Experimenting with these combinations allow artists to achieve unique colours that can’t be found straight from the tube.
ARTdiscount Lamp Black and ARTdiscount Cadmium Yellow mixed to create various shades of green.
The Power of Black in Art History
Many famous artists have celebrated the potential of black in their work, using it as more than just a shadow or outline:
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Kazimir Malevich, 1915, Black Suprematic Square, oil on linen canvas, 79.5 x 79.5 cm, Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow For further reading press this link to take you to the TATE website |
Kazimir Malevich: Avant-garde artist and theorist 1879-1935. His painting Black Square (1915) 80cm x 80 cm oil on canvas, challenged traditional notions of art, using black as a bold statement of abstraction and minimalism.
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Pierre Soulages: French artist, painter, printmaker, and sculptor 1919-2022. Dubbed “the painter of black,” Soulages used black to explore texture and light in his Outre-noir (beyond black or Ultra-black) series. For further reading on Pierre Soulages press this Tate link Peinture 244 x 181 cm, 25 avril 2011
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Francisco Goya: His Black Paintings, created directly onto the walls of his home, showcase the emotional intensity and narrative power of black. Goya painted 14 murals in his home during the later years of his life between 1819 and 1823. They were only discovered after his death in 1828. The murals portray dramatic, haunting themes that represent his dark and bleak mindset on humanity. By Francisco Goya - La Leocadia 1850 Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2323114 for further reading on Francisco De Goya's Black paintings press this link to FACTUM arte |
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Ellsworth Kelly: American Painter 1923 - 2015, sculptor and printmaker associated with hard-edge painting, Colour field painting and minimalism. Known for his use of bold colours, Kelly also employed black to create striking contrasts and minimalist forms. Ellsworth Kelly described black and white as “the complete absence of colour and the totality of light,” the contrast of which allowed for a pure investigation of form. |
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Unleashing the Potential of Black in Your Artwork
Black paint, often underestimated, is a powerful tool for creativity. Whether you use it for stark contrasts, subtle shading, or complex colour mixes, black can elevate your artwork to new levels. Explore the differences between Mars Black, Ivory Black, Lamp Black, and Payne’s Gray to find the one that fits your artistic vision. Experiment with mixing, and don’t shy away from using black as a central element in your compositions.
For inspiration, look to the greats like Malevich, Soulages, and Goya, who harnessed black not just as a colour but as a concept. With black, the possibilities are endless.
Ready to explore the world of black paint? Discover our range of high-quality artist paints at ARTdiscount and bring your creations to life.
Heavy Body, Black Acrylic Paint;
GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics - 59ml Tubes - Series 1 - Bone Black, Carbon Black, and Mars Black.
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| STUDIO Heavy Body Acrylic Paints - 200ml Large Tubes - Lamp Black | Daler-Rowney System3 HEAVY BODY Paint - 59ml - Mars Black, Process Black and Payne's Grey. | Daler-Rowney Cryla Professional Acrylic HEAVY BODY 75ml Tubes - Series A - Carbon Black, Mars Black, Ivory Black and Paynes Grey. |
Liquitex HEAVY BODY - 59ml Tubes - Ivory Black, Mars Black, Iridescent Black, Payne's Grey
Liquitex Professional Bio-Based Heavy Acrylic - 75ml - Lamp Black, Mars Black and Payne's Grey.
Soft Body Black Acrylic Paint;
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Liquitex Professional Soft Body Acrylic - 59ml - Ivory Black S1, Mars Black S1 and Payne's Grey. |
ARTdiscount Acrylic Paint 500ml - Single Bottles - Black and Paynes Grey. |
Sennelier Abstract Acrylic - 120ml - Mars Black, Black Iridescent and Payne's Grey. |
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic - 118ml Tubes - Ivory Black, Mars Black, Iridescent Graphite and Payne's Grey.
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| Daler-Rowney Graduate Acrylic Paint - 120ml - Black, Pearl Black and Payne's Grey. |
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic - 250ml Bottles - Ivory Black, Lamp Black, Mars Black and Payne's Grey. |
Daler-Rowney System3 Acrylic Paint - 500ml - Mars Black, Process Black and Payne's Grey. |
Incorporating black paint into your palette can be a powerful tool for enhancing your artwork. Whether you're using it to create dramatic contrasts, mix sophisticated shades, or add depth and dimension, black paint offers endless possibilities for experimentation. By understanding its versatility, you can elevate your compositions and unlock new creative potential. We hope this article has provided you with inspiring information and ideas to explore the dynamic role of black paint in your artistic practice. Happy painting!
