How to Use And Mix Black Watercolor Paint

Black Watercolor-do you use black paint straight out of a tube, or mix it yourself? This video will help clarify some questions you might have about painting black in watercolor!

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Here is a list of materials used in this video:
2) Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors

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[suzannestilloni]

I’m a beginner and I used lamp black for a panther love it.

[HazelPage-fi]

Thankyou I painted 2 pictures a long time ago and couldn;t quite remember the colours i had mixed.This one looks good.

[Mr.S]

Some Watercolorists avoid black but it’s in a lot of ready made watercolors such as indigo. I believe Payne’s Gray also has black in it as well as other colors! It was nice to see you painting the Crocker spaniel using black, and the shepherd, well as you know, indigo contains pure black. Lovely paintings :)

[KimberlyCrick]

Great video (and no strict judgy rules - love it!) I prefer to use a true black when I'm looking for the darkest value possible, especially when painting abstract or design elements. While I agree that most things in nature can be painted with a mixture (and I usually use a Burnt Umber and an Ultramarine Blue when there is a lot subtle colors in the shadows) I find that none of those mixtures ever reach the deep dark saturation of a true black pigment. It's also reaaally fun to play with PBK11 sometimes called Lunar Black, Mars Black, Black Iron Oxide or Magnetite because of it's super active granulation. One day, if you're feeling particularly experimental, the granulation can actually be moved around your page with a magnet! I've even been able to use the magnetic effect to mimic fur as the magnet pulls the pigment particles in one direction. It's one of those things that I found so fascinating when I started learning pigments :D

[glenda]

Would love a video where you go through ALL your fave paints, how you use them, mix them etc. Please and thanks!

[harrietruffy]

Really appreciate your tutorials. I know specifics of “why” one likes something helps...its really helpful to see the photo you are working from as you work. You are very clear about the steps you take, too. Hope you get your Corgi soon...I’m sure it will be one lucky puppy.

[Renilou]

Great work Emily. It's also good to note that if you do not own a tube of Indigo, you can make your own with Daniel Smiths Indanthrene Blue (PB60) and Lamp Black (PBk6) because that's how they makes theirs. Its always handy having a premixed tube to work with though. Again, I enjoy watching what you share.

[tiayoung]

You are such a talented person and this was very useful 😜

[Ciki]

I´m so happy and grateful for your teachings! Can´t wait the end of the month to start a membership on your website! Such a cool thing you have an independent channel 😍🥰

[Bo_zuu]

thanks mam I am learning a lot from you👍👍👍👍👍👍🙏

[prachidongre]

Awesome tutorial Emily! ❤️😃 I will definitely try both Blacks.

[laurabravorincon]

wow... such a beautiful puppies!! I love the way you painted. I'm gonna have a go!! The truth is that I'm just a beginner, and i like to do my own mixings using ONLY the primary colours. BUT when i have to paint sth. black, I usually add "Payne's Grey" to the mixing: 45% cobalt blue, 45 % alizarin crimson and 10% cadmiun yellow. A thousand of THANKS, Emily.

[FarmerC.J.]

Love this! Thank you ! I use French ultramarine blue and burnt sienna when I am mixing for a black.

[georginajacobs]

This video is so helpful! I would love a version for white painting too 😁 🐾

[robertblackborow]

Daniel Smith indigo contains lamp black, and indi blue.thats why I use lamp black with other colours such as indi and Windsor blue to make a neutral tint of sorts .

[sledding]

Hi. Thank you for your help and support via this video, but do artist's use tube black for still life paintings please?
Many thanks

[anermila]

I really enjoy your tutorials and all your explanation (yes I’m binge watching your videos 😘) I learn so much as I watch along. I’m a beginner and waiting for my m graham and Daniel Smith paints to arrive! Do you think you can help to do a video on step by step on portrait painting? My inspiration for this water color journey is to be able to paint my 4yo toddler and loved ones. Thank you.

[jcepri]

I thought water colors are transparent and bleed into water. This DW black looks like acrylics. It's totally opaque. I don't care for that wishy washy transparent look so I might try these. Thank you! I just have a quick question. Why do you use tubes instead of pans?

[madzeppelin]

Do you ever use graphite paper? I do a lot of pet portraits and I find it super helpful, I feel kinda like I’m cheating but they’re paying me for the watercolor PAINTING right? Not the drawing lol! This video was really helpful thank you so much!

[heidikaplan]

Emily~
In this video your paper seems to stay really saturated wet for what seems like quite a long time. What’s your tactic for this? It seems like there’s a ‘magic’ ratio, but I just can’t hit it.

I’m using Arches cold pressed and Fabriano Artistico papers (140 lb.) for all my paintings, Daniel Smith/Holbein/Windsor Newton paints, and no matter how wet I make an area before painting on it, it doesn’t stay wet long enough to keep my paint moving till I’m done the area (and I keep the work area small!)I’ve been dogged by this over and over and can’t seem to get a handle on it. My room is not excessively dry and I’m painting on paper that has been stretched. I’m convinced that my paper is just not getting soaked deeply enough, but it seems like the amount of water I’m pre-wetting an area with is the same as what you appear to be using in this, and your other videos. Any ideas?