Black Paper
Working on black paper is a great drawing exercise. Normally darker values are created by building layers of graphite or charcoal, with black paper however, the opposite is true. It is a great way to look at objects. Personally, I find it easier to draw on black. Squinting while looking at an object causes the lines to blur, and the light and dark values are easier to see. Ignoring the black values, I rough in the light areas. Sometimes I will make a quick sketch capturing shapes, and other times I just add the light areas.
Once I am happy with the light values, I add more detail. Blending the white into the dark areas creates more and different values. White on black looks great as a loose sketch also, it has a free-flowing feel. Maybe one day I will give up my need for detail and leave the sketches relaxed.
12 X 17 on black paper
Thought this drawing would be a great addition to my new business card.
Front and Back of Business Card
Thank you to Erin for putting this together on illustrator! Awesome work!