Drama, emphasis, shading, definition and developing 2D into 3D – black is a superb colour for achieving all of these interesting facets of artwork.
A sketch illustrated in lightly drawn-in black (any medium) with an extra application of that colour as an outline, will develop lots of impact, almost immediately. Black sets off a drawing even if only used in small quantities. We associate black with shadows, but it may be too dark for that purpose. However, black used as a back-drop to an artwork can bring that work into sharp focus – but the initial drawing must be lst class – if you want this technique to succeed!
Try illustrating, for instance, a simple still-life, using only the illustration and just black – applied as you see fit – and see what result you will achieve.
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