How to Make a Black Background on a Canvas Painting
- 1). Draw an outline of the area where you desire a black background, if you don't want it to cover the entire canvas.
- 2). If you want the entire canvas black, paint one layer of black gesso over the canvas, with strokes running parallel from one end to the other. Allow it to dry completely, and then sand it slightly.
- 3). Blow off any excess dust from the sanded canvas. Paint it once more using the gesso, running the brush strokes perpendicular this time and allowing it to dry again. Sand it once more, and remove any dust. The canvas now is ready for painting on your black background.
- 4). If only partially covering the canvas with a black background, apply a layer of black within your outline using the same medium to be used for the rest of the painting. Paint in even brushstrokes that cross-hatch each other to create a smooth texture, if desired.
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