Black Gesso for Clouds

ironchefmitty

Had anybody tried using black gesso for some distant, wispy, black clouds? Thinking about trying it and was wondering if anybody else has tried it out and what the results were.

dracula

I haven't tried that, but I think it would work with black gesso (dry) underneath the liquid white. Good thinking!

wybnormal

I love black gesso but not for clouds unless you want thunderheads.. I would suggesting mixing up some grey gesso. The black adds contrast and changes the tones of the more transparent colors. And I am assuming you would use linseed oil or other medium and not liquid white over the black.

ironchefmitty

wybnormal I would at most use equal parts liquid white and liquid clear, if not just a little bit more of the clear than the white.

Speaking of transparent colors, is there a list somewhere of what colors are more transparent than the others? I know he's mentioned a few of them that are transparent (crimson) and not transparent (white), but I'm wondering if there's a list somewhere for reference?

Voy Kay

ironchefmitty
https://www.twoinchbrush.com/articles/fantastic-transparents-and-where-to-find-them

Sunnylady

Each tube of paint has marking of color transparency. Search for a little square near pigment number. Black filled square shows non transparent. White filled square - transparent and half black and half white - semitransparent or semi opaque.

Sunnylady

@Voy Kay#1308 Voy thanks a lot! I did not think to check articles!