Painting on Black: My Signature Black Ground Technique for Expressive Treescapes
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Introduction
One of the questions I’m asked most often—whether in workshops, at exhibitions, or after watching my YouTube videos—is: “Why do you paint on black?”
It’s a simple choice that completely transformed my work and has become the foundation of my signature style. Painting on a black ground allows me to create expressive treescapes and woodland landscapes that feel alive with light, atmosphere, and intricate detail.
The Magic of Starting on Black
Most traditional landscape painting starts with a white or mid-toned canvas. I begin with pure black. The total absence of light. Colour zero. This isn’t just a dramatic background—it fundamentally changes how I build light and form.
When you paint on black, every stroke of lighter colour glows against the darkness. It mimics the way we actually experience woodlands: pockets of dappled sunlight breaking through canopy, sudden shafts of brightness, and deep, mysterious shadows. The black acts as a unifying base that makes the highlights sing and creates immediate contrast and depth.
I start by sketching loosely with a white pastel pencil which shows up beautifully on the black surface. I love this bit, it looks like a ghost forest!
The sketch is a guide not a boss, it will look totally different when paint is applied so I leave room to alter as I paint.
I build in layers using visible brushmarks—purposeful, varied strokes with my favourite brush, a Silver Silk Bright.
No heavy mixing on the palette; I prefer to let colours interact on the canvas. Initially the colours look darker and duller on the black so I build up the colour to create light and clarity. But I leave much of the original layer showing - those areas are key: they give me depth, volume, and by contrast, allow the lights to shine.
I also allow some of the black to break through, particularly around trees and branches. It creates drama and strength, and sometimes a very graphic feel.
Why Acrylics on Black? Practical & Expressive Benefits
Luminosity — Acrylics dry quickly, allowing me to layer confidently without muddying. The black ground gives depth to my layered lights.
Control of values — It can be harder working in only one direction: to the light. But it mimics life…there is only darkness until light illuminates form
Extra hues — The black is present in all of the first layer of colour creating the illusion that all initial colours have been shaded with black. This means I can get a variety of hues and shades from just one pigment, particularly if that pigment is transparent or semi transparent
Drama — leaving the black to show around trees, or to create branches, gives a graphic intensity that creates a bold image
Mood and drama — Black naturally lends itself to the mystery and majesty of ancient woodlands, which have been my greatest inspiration for years. I love the drama of the process of painting on it
Tips for Trying the Black Ground Technique Yourself
If you’d like to experiment:
Start with a pre-primed black canvas or apply a slightly diluted (to maintain an even covering) black acrylic base with a large stuff brush and let it dry fully.
Use a white pastel pencil or white chalk to sketch out your composition.
Build gradually with broken, varied marks—don’t be afraid to leave some black showing through. And don’t worry that your first layer looks dark, it’s supposed to!
Treat the darkest first layer as a friend - don't obsess over getting clear bright colours, murky is good!
Step back often! The painting looks very different at a distance.
In my workshops, we explore this technique hands-on, and it’s wonderful to see how liberating it feels for participants.
What do you think?
The black ground technique is at the heart of what I do. It’s not just a method—it’s how I capture the stories, light, and soul of the woods.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Are you trying it in your own work? Which part intrigues you most?
Next steps:
Browse my latest treescapes
Join my mailing list for studio updates, new releases, and workshop dates
Go to YouTube for more videos and online courses
Inquire about a commission or join one of my painting courses
Thank you for reading—happy painting, and may you find your own forest magic.
Cat
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