White Pencil Art: Stunning Drawings on Black Paper

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

White pencil art on black paper is a mesmerizing form of expression that flips your traditional sketching norms upside down. It's an adventure in contrasts, where the magic lies in creating light out of darkness—an easy drawing on black paper with white pencil can produce results that are as stunning as they are unique. Ready to give it a shot? Let's get started with choosing the right materials.

Selecting the Right Materials

Art is as much about the tools as it is about the technique. The right materials can transform your white on black sketches from good to great. So let's talk about what you need to kick off your easy drawing on black paper with white pencil.

White Pencils: Brands and Types

Not all white pencils are created equal. Some are wax-based, like the Prismacolor Premier White, loved for its smooth application and rich pigmentation. Some are oil-based like the Faber-Castell Polychromos White, favored for its sharpness and detail. Remember, the key is to find a pencil that feels comfortable in your hand and delivers the opacity you're looking for. So don't be afraid to try out a few before settling on your favorite.

Black Paper: Brands and Quality

Next up is the canvas for your masterpiece — black paper. Now, you might think any black sheet would do, but there's a world of difference between low-quality and high-quality paper. For instance, Strathmore's Artagain paper is a popular choice because of its durability and its rich, deep black color. The Canson Mi-Teintes paper, on the other hand, is known to give a slightly textured finish, adding depth to your drawings. So take your time and pick a paper that enhances your white pencil art.

Other Tools: Sharpeners, Erasers, and Blending Tools

Finally, to refine your art, you'll need a few more tools in your kit. A good sharpener keeps your white pencil precise for detailing. A kneaded eraser helps you correct minor mistakes without leaving a trace. And a blending tool, such as a tortillon or a paper stump, adds smoothness and gradients to your work. Together, these tools can help you create a stunning, easy drawing on black paper with white pencil.

Mastering the Basics

Like any art form, creating an easy drawing on black paper with white pencil begins with understanding the basics. Navigating the world of white pencil art can seem intimidating at first, but no worries—let's break it down together!

Understanding Tonal Values

In white pencil art, tonal values are flipped. Light tones are drawn, and dark tones are left blank. This shift can be a bit tricky to get used to at first. Practice by making a tonal value scale, starting with heavy pressure at one end for the whitest white, and gradually decrease the pressure to achieve various shades of gray. This exercise will help you gain control over your white pencil and understand the range of tones you can create on black paper.

Learning to Use Negative Space

One exciting aspect of white pencil art is the use of negative space. In this case, the black paper is your negative space, and you'll be using it to create the darker elements of your drawing. Instead of filling in the shadows, you'll let the black paper do the work for you. It's a fun twist on traditional drawing techniques and can lead to some pretty cool effects. So, don't be afraid to let your black paper shine through!

Practicing Blending Techniques

Blending is what gives your drawing depth and dimension. There are several techniques you can use to blend white pencil on black paper. One way is by using a blending stump or tortillon, where you lightly rub it over the area you want to blend. Another technique is to layer varying pressures of white pencil to create gradients. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting until you find a blending technique that works best for you.

Drawing Techniques

Now that we've brushed up on the basics, let's move onto some specific drawing techniques. When it comes to creating an easy drawing on black paper with white pencil, knowing how to create texture, capture light and shadow, and create depth can make your drawing come alive.

Creating Texture

Texture adds realism and interest to your drawings. Whether you're drawing fur on an animal or the bark of a tree, the way you apply your white pencil can make a big difference. For instance, to create a rough texture, you might use a stippling technique, making a series of small dots with your pencil. Or, for a smoother texture, you might use light, even strokes. Experiment with different pencil strokes to see what textures you can create.

Capturing Light and Shadow

Understanding how light and shadow work can really elevate your white pencil art. The contrast between the white pencil and the black paper can create dramatic, eye-catching effects. Remember, in white pencil art, you're drawing the light, not the shadow. So, pay close attention to where the light hits your subject and use your white pencil to highlight these areas.

Working with Depth and Perspective

Creating a sense of depth and perspective in your drawing can make it appear more three-dimensional. One way to do this is by using tonal values. Objects that are closer to the viewer should be drawn with a heavier hand, while objects in the distance should be drawn lighter. This creates a sense of depth and distance in your drawing. Also, remember that lines converge at a vanishing point in the distance. Keep these principles in mind, and you'll be on your way to creating stunning white pencil drawings with depth and perspective.

Exploring Subjects and Themes

Now that we've dealt with techniques, let's dive into the fun part: choosing what to draw. The subject of your drawing can be anything that sparks your interest. Let's explore some themes that are especially suited for easy drawing on black paper with white pencil.

Drawing Animals

Animals are a popular choice, and for good reason. From the soft fur of a bunny to the tough hide of an elephant, animals offer a wide range of textures to practice your skills. Remember to observe your subject closely before you start. Look for the pattern of the fur or scales, the light in their eyes, the way their body moves. These details will bring your animal drawings to life. Do you have a pet? Why not start by drawing them?

Drawing Portraits

Portraits can be a challenge, but they're also incredibly rewarding. Start simple: a friend, a family member or even a self-portrait. The key to a good portrait is capturing the likeness and the personality of the person. Pay close attention to the eyes—they're often said to be the windows to the soul. And remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out the way you want. Keep trying, and you'll see improvement.

Drawing Nature

From majestic mountains to delicate flowers, nature is full of beauty waiting to be captured on black paper. Drawing nature is a great way to practice creating texture and depth. Plus, it's a great excuse to spend some time outdoors. Next time you go for a walk, take your sketchbook with you. You never know what might inspire your next drawing.

Showcasing Your Work

After you've spent hours creating your masterpiece, it's time to share it with the world. Whether you want to make a career out of your art, or just enjoy the recognition of your skill and creativity, showcasing your work is a key part of being an artist. Let's take a look at some ways to do this.

Creating a Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best work. It's like a visual resume, showing off your skills and style. You can create a physical portfolio or a digital one. A digital portfolio has the benefit of being easily shared online, and you can update it with new work anytime. Include a variety of subjects and styles to show your versatility. And don't forget to include your stunning white pencil drawings on black paper!

Entering Art Exhibitions

Art exhibitions are a great way to get your work seen by a larger audience. Look for local art shows, community events, or online exhibitions. It might be nerve-wracking to put your work out there for others to judge, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. And who knows, you might even win an award!

Selling Art Online

If you're interested in earning money from your art, selling online is a great option. There are many platforms where you can sell original artwork or prints, such as Etsy, Fine Art America, and others. You could also consider creating a personal website to sell your work. Keep in mind that selling art takes more than just drawing skill—you'll also need to learn about pricing, marketing, and customer service.

So, are you ready to take your white pencil and start drawing on that black paper? Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Happy drawing!

If you're inspired by the stunning white pencil art on black paper and want to improve your drawing skills, check out the workshop 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy' by Yazmin Moktan. This workshop will teach you valuable techniques and tips to enhance your drawing abilities and create eye-catching artwork with confidence.