Tracey Maras, “Juneberry Bounty.”
Tracey Maras, who is best known for her pastel paintings of the natural world, invites artists to discover the colorful richness of black.
by Tracy Maras
One of the most challenging subjects to paint is one that is black, whether it is an animal, a piece of fabric, or another object.
When first approaching the process of painting something that is black, we automatically begin thinking of using variations of black, grey, and even white for highlights. But there is more color there than our first impression.
Like white, black is influenced by colors that surround it. Notes of fully saturated indigo blue shimmer as it reflects the blue of the sky. Sunlight warms the black to a rich, deep red/brown. Jewel-tones of amethyst or emerald may sparkle in the shadows.
It can be difficult to identify the color shifts when working from a photo. The camera can struggle with differentiating the subtleties. And if working from a printed proto, even more of the subtleties are lost. Turning the reference photo upside-down can take the image out of context and make it a little easier to discover some of the colors reflecting in the black.
However, one of the best methods is direct observation. Taking the time to observe black subjects in real time will help you discover the dance of the dark rich colors.
Rarely do I go for the simple black pastel. If painting an animal, I may use black for the pupil of the eye or to accentuate the eye-liner dark skin that may encircle the eye. But for nearly all other suggestions of black, I seek a more colorful dark. And usually, it may be several colorful darks, layered to create a jewel-box of richness.
When selecting colors for black elements in your artwork, avoid shifting to light gray or white for the highlights, particularly when painting fur, feathers, or hair, as it greatly ages due to the salt-and-pepper appearance. Instead, selecting a slightly lighter value with a touch of warmth can more effectively suggest highlights.
Think of dark jewel-toned colors to create rich, luscious blacks in your paintings.
Tracey Maras, “Oscar’s Loving Eyes.”