BobBlast 579 - "Paint it Black"

BobBlast #579 Paint it Black   Welcome Back to Another BobBlast! Opinions differ strongly on the use of the color Black. For me, I use it on every painting. I find that the color Black suggests power, elegant fashion and formality. Additionally, Black can be used as contrast, as a focal point, as dark space and graphic highlights. Again, for me, it’s paint and I’m using it! I first recognized the power of Black, while looking at Robert Motherwell’s Elegies to the Spanish Republic. The size, the graphic impact and the color Black influenced me. Black was also used extensively and experimentally by Manet, Whistler, Renoir and Matisse. A few pointers I have found when working with Black acrylic: •Black hard edges are in focus and get noticed first •Black soft edges appear to be out of focus and get less attention •Black colors can appear to recede (as a “black hole”) when thinned down •Black colors can also appear to move forward, depending on the surrounding colors •Start a painting with only Black, to establish tones, values, composition and one focal point This BobBlast is a quick demo about the varying temperatures of my go-to Blacks. I strongly suggest buying small tubes of different Blacks and making a reference chart for your studio to easily tell the difference. Quick Guide: •Ivory Black has a cool tone when thinned down and is transparent •Mars Black is dense and opaque with brown undertones when thinned •Primary Black is designed for color mixing. It is a cool tone and is great for overall cover •Carbon Black is strong, opaque and can be overpowering •Lamp Black is an opaque, heavy, cool blue Black. Can be used as a staining pigment •There are others! I know most of us paint because of color. Starting a painting in Black and White may broaden your creative horizons. You’re a painter… be a painter! If you enjoyed this BobBlast, sign up for this online zoom workshop! •August 5, 2025 Loose Figures in an Abstract Painting https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...   More Upcoming Online Workshops! August 16-17, 2025 Paint Loose Florals & Landscapes https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...   •September 4, 2025 Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...   •September 8-9, 2025 Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...   Join Bob for "Creative Abstract Techniques” 3-day Online Workshop September 12-14, 2025. Sponsored by Sedona Arts Center https://sedonaartscenter.org/product/...   Come Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA •August 25-29, 2025 Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage   •October 24-26, 2025 Larger & Looser Abstract Painting These workshops are in-person, Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s...   Schedule Your 2025 Mentor Workshop Today! •August 7-10, 2025 - 1 Spot Open! •September 25-28, 2025 - 1 Spot Open! •Nov 6-9, 2025 These workshops are in-person, Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s...   Upcoming Online Demos •August 14, 2025 Fun with Luminous Colors! •September 18, 2025 Dramatic Landscapes—Clouds and Skies https://robertburridge.com/monthly-de...   Bob's Monthly Demo Recordings for Sale Miss any Demos? You can purchase a recording! https://robertburridge.com/robert-bur...   Traveling Bob – Tropical Paint-Cation! •January 24-31, 2026 Loosen Up with Color and Collage in Mexico Casa de Los Artistas Boca de Tomatlán, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta  Contact Robert Masla, (413) 335-4295 https://artworkshopvacations.com/feb-...   Burridge Online Coaching Private one-on-one Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies https://robertburridge.com/burridge-o...