Why Does Bob Ross Use Liquid Black?

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:

1. Adds natural contrast: Bob Ross’s painting “Grassy Hills.”
2. 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.

1. Liquid black is coming from the blackest paint
2. It is thinner than liquid white 
3. Smoother than liquid white 

So making your own version of the liquid black you need.

1. Black pigment paint
2. Linseed oil
3. 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