How to Paint Black Animals in Watercolor

Painting animals at either end of the value spectrum can be challenging, especially using watercolors. This is the first class in a two-part mini series exploring painting black and white animals in watercolor to help you feel more confident and comfortable with these subjects.

In this class, we will:

• Explore how to mix interesting dark colors in watercolor
• Learn how to evaluate reference photos and select colors for black animals
• Practice balancing values to create a dynamic portrait
• Paint a black animal using realistic and/or colorful color palettes

This is an advanced class that intends to help you harness your skills for your watercolor tool kit. It is not a class that will teach a single tutorial from start to finish. Ambitious beginners are welcome, but please participate in the prerequisite classes before attempting this one set yourself up for success.

Prerequisite Classes

• Watercolor Mixing Based on Pigment Properties
• Mastering Water Control: Harness the Power of Water in Watercolors
• Fur, Feathers, and Scales: Painting Animal Textures in Watercolors
• How to Draw & Paint Animal Eyes in Watercolor

Materials (Video #2)

You will need basic but high quality watercolor supplies for this class. I have listed the general information below and the specific supplies I am using in brackets.

• Cotton Watercolor Paper [140lb Arches Cotton Watercolor Paper (Cold Pressed)]
• Watercolor Brushes [Silver Black Velvet Round Brushes, Sizes 2-8]
• Artist Quality Watercolor Paints [Professional Quality Watercolors, Various Brands]
• Mounting Board & Masking or Paint Tape
• Two Containers for Water
• Reusable Rag or Paper Towels
• Pencil & Eraser
• White Ink or Gouache [Mission Design Color Matte White]

Use what you have on hand, but if you need any recommendations, check out my "Skillshare: Black Animals" list over on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/inliquidcolor

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Class Project (Videos #7-11)

In this advanced class, you will ideally be choosing your own subject and color palette. However, this class also includes two demonstrations that you’re welcome to follow along with as well if you would prefer. These demonstrations are not fully detailed tutorials, however they will show you how I apply the concepts from this class into an actual painting. I am so excited to see everyone’s pets and other favorite animals in the Class Project Gallery!

Copyright Free Photo Reference Sites:

Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/

Remember to:

• Ask any questions you may have under the “Discussion” tab.
• Upload your finished painting as a Class Project.
• Leave a review to let me know what you thought of this class.
• Follow me here on Skillshare so that you can be notified when the second part to this mini series is released as well as other future watercolor classes.

I hope to see you in the next one!

Music & Photography

All music sourced from ArtList.io and is listed by lesson number.

1 Blue by iamdaylight

2 Sliders by Assaf Ayalon

3 Blue On by Assaf Ayalon

4 Sliders by Assaf Ayalon

5 2days by Assaf Ayalon

6 Blue by iamdaylight

7 First by iamdaylight

8Blue On byAssaf Ayalon

10 2days by Assaf Ayalon

12 Blue by iamdaylight

All of the animal photographs used as reference for this class were sourced from Pixabay, a royalty free photography website.