How to Paint on Black Watercolor Paper

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Black watercolor paper? How can this be? In this lesson, we look at creating a still life painting of a flower with gouache, or opaque watercolor on black watercolor paper. Easily create highly contrasting imagery by applying watercolor to the black surface.
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[@annacount3682]

Thanks for a great lesson not just on using black wc paper, but also on techniques for light and shade using gouache paints! Your flower is lovely!

[@marysuze]

I have used metallic watercolor paint on black paper, along with some pencil and metallic acrylic markers to make fall leaves. I’ve been very happy with the results.

[@sandradonofrio413]

Excellent gouache lesson.

[@lindatannock]

That looks spectacular! It just jumps off the page. Your use of colour to show your values is just fantastic 😊❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@connied8507]

This is so timely. I'm currently working out a study of a red rose with reflection on a black surface. This could be the answer to some of the hurdles I faced. Thank you. This came out beautifully 💕

[@kathieeidem5670]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing

[@umabord]

Mathew you are a genius 🙏 I have enrolled in many of your online courses and you taught me so much! I am a beginner but less green now 😊

[@VernitaHoyt]

Beautiful painting! You answered my questions on how to use black watercolor paper which I bought by mistake. Now I’m anxious to try it with gouache.

[@lmbrtshrry]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@denisesanborn9965]

Stunning!!

[@patriciabrowning5741]

Thank you for the great information. Love watching your videos. ❤

[@eileencollins3126]

Wow! This video is worth watching twice, or more!

[@kayclark4406]

Beautiful-better than the original!

[@lindamacleod7055]

That is gorgeous!

[@paulah317]

That is gorgeous!. I've used Stonehenge black watercolor paper too and enjoy it. It works great for night scenes, or dark moody cafe scenes, or behind the stage scenes of a ballet all of which I've painted. I've found using a white watercolor pencil to draw with helps to see the drawing better too. My method is completely different than yours.....I add white to watercolor paint and use a wet in wet technique. I'll be using your method with my gouache paints. Thank you so much for your expertise!

[@valeriegentry2964]

That looks great Matt! I like the painting better than the reference!

[@monsteraetc]

That was beautiful and, as always, calming and educational. Thanks!

[@myrnalandersartist]

Wow that's just gorgeous! I've tried gouache but I get frustrated in how sticky it is, and how quickly it dries on the palette! Yours looked effortless!

[@rheba-30310]

Beautiful Matt. I can’t wait to try this!

[@LeaBrggerDetlevsen]

So very beautiful! I love your eye for detail ❤

[@mariachaverri7607]

Thank you 🎉

[@suedavison4440]

Stunningly beautiful and incredibly helpful thank you

[@kathryna5912]

Love this!

[@LadyJP6969]

Beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@Lgm4375]

Wow, that is beautiful!

[@marials9245]

Amazing lesson, thanks a lot!

[@andom6281]

❤ loved the tutorial. Your painting came out beautifully.

[@cinditalbot5373]

Beautiful!

[@ElizabethBattle]

This is fascinating. Great lesson. Thank you! My husband got a VI membership for me for Christmas last year, and I want to make sure he renews it!

[@mmblue3986]

Beautiful “❤”

[@rleeelliott4597]

Awesome

[@lorrainebirks2815]

Absolutely Amazing , , thank you for doing this lesson xxxxx❤

[@keala1942]

The painting is more beautiful than the actual photo ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cindysimons2772]

Thank you so much.

[@lindaseguin8271]

So cool!!! Thank you🌈😘

[@severineclamens4636]

Superbe!

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

Love gouache

[@yaghobshojaei]

Perfect

[@Merletth]

Thanks

[@vmiller735]

I usually paint metallic watercolor paints on black heavy weight cardstock or black watercolor paper. I like what you did and might try this with gouache. I haven't tried this but some people stamp in pigment white ink and heat set it on black then paint or stamp colors over the white pigment.

[@neveh2784]

Thanks for a lovely and informative work in gouache. I keep gouache brushes separate from those for transparent watercolor, too many undesirable surprises for transparent paintings.

[@angelacaires8772]

Beautiful! I accidentally ordered black paper a couple of years ago and did not know how to use it:)

[@JennTheWriter]

Great video! As always, thank you for sharing with us! :)

[@annipetratos9401]

This is so exquisite. Almost more delicate than the original. I love black backgrounds... I'm not sure if I can get this paper...or guache where I live

[@danasterry4]

Matt, this painting is just jaw dropping stunning! I am curious as to what you used for your pallet? It almost looked like you were using a piece of paper.

[@christinewilde110]

Oh no....thats another visit to the art shop! 😂

[@jillharper7456]

Ditto

[@dawnl.7792]

beautiful. thanks for posting this.

[@ediesedgwick4462]

Gorgeous! You'll have no trouble selling that, if you choose to do so.

[@learningkey5788]

can we use acrylic or poster colors on black?

[@LovinLnCottage]

Why not use white watercolor pencil for the layout? My old eyes need a break. Thank you for this tutorial. I just bought some black watercolor paper and will try doing my white orchids using your suggestions. 🙏🏻☮️❤️🖖

[@mute_ed984]

Watercolor Pencil might not be strong enough to cover up the black enough, to be seen. Could work for some Misty, foggy, mystic Piece though. Hope it works out the way you picture it in your mind.

[@loati94]

I sometimes use a white pastel pencil because It erases easy and doesn't repel or contaminate the water like graphite does.

[@annyc9504]

I don't appreciate this technique. Acrylic paint is cheaper, and a camera can certain do better.

[@mattfussell7631]

Gouache is a different medium from acrylic paint and behaves differently as well. If your goal is to create a photograph, then yes use a camera.