Why Does Bob Ross Use Liquid Black?
Shojib Hoq
Dec 29, 2022
Liquid black applies canvas to create a black wet base coat. It allows any paint to blend naturally with the black base coat and create unique effects. It adds many cool attributes, and the main 2 are:
- Adds natural contrast: Bob Ross’s painting “Grassy Hills.”
- Adds shadow: Trees shadow naturally, bush shadow naturally, sea wave shadow, and more.
In this article, I will explain the following:
- What is bob ross liquid black
- Difference between liquid black and liquid white
- Liquid black recipe
- Liquid black vs. black gesso
Which liquid black does bob ross use? Alternative?
In the ‘Joy of Painting,’ Bob Ross uses his own brand, “Bob Ross liquid black.” Finding this product alternative is almost impossible.
| Grade | Note | |
| Bob Ross Liquid Black | Artistic and Bob Ross brand | Bob Ross uses this product |
Liquid black vs. liquid white
These 2 materials are very relative and applying style same, but they apply to achieve different effects. Here are some important key points.
| Liquid Black | Liquid White | |
| Uses for | Create naturally blending shadow effect, dark and add natural contrast | Create naturally daylight, bright effect |
| Base coat | black oily surface | white oily surface |
| Thickness | Thin | Thin but Thick then black |
| Brightness | Low brightness | High brightness |
How do you make liquid black for wet on wet technique?
Sometimes liquid black can not be available for everyone. If this happens, you can make your own version with an easy recipe.
Before making the recipe, you need to understand something.
- Liquid black is coming from the blackest paint
- It is thinner than liquid white
- Smoother than liquid white
So making your own version of the liquid black you need.
- Black pigment paint
- Linseed oil
- Airtight storage like a jar or paint tube
Here is the list of necessary materials
| Material type | Grade | Note | |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color | Black paint | Artistic grade | Popular black oil paint pigment in the artist |
| Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil | Linseed oil | Artistic grade | Popularly uses in different painting projects |
| 6 x 14ml Paint Tubes & Lids by SAA | Paint tube | Artistic grade | Airseal paint storage |
How can you make your own version of liquid black?
Step 1: Put linseed oil and black pigment paint 60:40 ratio (linseed oil: black paint) on any clean surface. Like a paint palette.
Step 2: Blend the 2 materials properly with a putty knife. You should feel it is so smooth. And your liquid black is ready.
Step 3: Store the liquid in an airtight jar. But the great option is to store the liquid in an airtight paint tube.
Is liquid black the same as black gesso?
Black gesso and liquid black are different things. However, they apply on the background of a painting. So these 2 materials play a very important role in painting. The key points difference in the below.
In the other articles I already explained:
- More explanation about liquid white.
- Difference between liquid white and white gesso.
- Should you use white or black canvas for bob ross painting?
| Black Gesso | Liquid Black | |
| Uses | Gesso is used as a black primer for the canvas. It may apply to make the canvas background dark, like night scenery. | Liquid base is used as the black base coat of paint. It helps to create natural shadow, contrast |
| Touch feel | Feel like chalk. | Feel like oily |
| Ready for project | After gesso properly dry | Before liquid white dry |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean with water | A little bit hard to clean |
| Drying Time | Within 20-90 minute | Take around 10-90 hours to dry |
| Number of Coats | 2 or 3 coats | 1 coat enough |
| Ease of Use | Easy to apply | Apply a bit harder |
| Brightness | Dim brightness | Dim brightness |