Create Unique Artworks

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This course is designed to introduce you to the mesmerizing art of illustrating on black paper with gouache. Whether you're an aspiring artist seeking to refine your skills or a curious beginner eager to explore a new artistic avenue, this course is your gateway to a captivating form of expression.



🍃 Bonus section 🍃

DOODLING WITH GOUACHE

All enrolled students will have access to any upcoming bonus sections

+ Join a private community of BLACK PAPER WIZARDS who are also enrolled in the course!


🖤 RECOMMENDED MATERIALS 🖤

  • Black Paper Pad, at least 250gsm for layering without warping the paper. The brand I use is Fabriano
  • Brushes - I recommend 3 brushes. One flat brush to cover larger surface areas, and 2 fine detail brushes. The brand I use is Kum Germany
  • Gouache Paint. I recommend looking for a starter set of 12 paints as this will have the basic colors we will use in this course. The brand I use is Daniel Smith.
  • Color Pencils (optional) for adding texture to a finished illustration
  • A jar of water
  • Paper towel/rags
  • Pencil
  • Your unique imagination!

Who is this course for?

  • Fantasy Enthusiasts

    This course is especially for fantasy enthusiasts who adore the finished magical look of a black paper illustration.

  • Beginner Friendly

    Beginners and experienced painters alike can enjoy learning about basic gouache techniques and its unique application on black paper.

  • Looking for inspiration

    The course is not only intended to introduce you to gouache on black paper but also show you the beauty of this combination. The course videos and exercises are filmed to inspire you, create mystery and allow you to tap into the creative flow state.

Course curriculum

    1. About Kiara

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Challenges of painting on black paper

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Materials

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Exercise 1: Writing Your Idea

    2. Gathering References

    1. Exercise 2: Sketching Mushrooms

    2. Exercise 3: Paint Swatches

    1. Palette Organization and Color Mixing

    2. Exercise 4: Painting a Lantern

    1. Sketching Your Concept Idea

    2. The Painting Process (Blocking In)

    3. The Painting Process (Details)

    4. Painting Your Idea

    1. Taking photos, process videos, writing hashtags + more

About this course

  • $35.00
  • 18 lessons
  • 4.5 hours of video content
  • 5 Hands on Exercises

About Kiara in the Forest

Kiara Maharaj

Course Instructor

My name is Kiara and I will be your guide as we explore the realm of the black page. I am a fantasy illustrator and writer from South Africa. My art is heavily inspired by the whimsical and eerie aspects of nature - a comforting sort of gloom which I often find under a canopy of trees. I started my illustration journey in 2018, and while having no formal art education, I taught myself how to bring my written stories to life using paint. One of the most common concepts I paint are portals embedded on trees with glowing blue energy contrasted by warm light of a lantern or candle. Experimenting with different surfaces has led me to find my love for illustrating these portals on black paper. I am so excited to share that magic with you!