Gouache illustrations on a black background

Learn some of the basic concepts of gouache illustration on a black background by making these seasonal mushrooms!

 

• Start to add volume to each of your mushrooms by creating an initial shadow area. 
• To make these shadows, darken the base colour of the mushroom with a little brown, black or a complementary colour such as blue. Paint this shadow as a solid, originating from one side, in this case the right.
•  Paint the areas along the stem, under the cap and on the cap and rings. 
• You can also draw the gills under the cap. 

• Add the details of the textures of the caps or stems with small solid colours that contrast with the background (stem or cap). 
• Leave to dry.
  

• In the same way, strengthen the volume with small touches of white glow on each detail. Apply this touch of light to rings and caps. 
  

• Add grass in a lighter shade of khaki.
  
• Finish the grass with a verdigris and an ochre. Leave to dry. 
  

You can apply this technique to all kinds of illustrations: flowers, still lifes, portraits, etc. Start with a base colour and then superimpose areas of light and shadow. The gouache lets you work on these areas in a solid and/or gradient depending on the desired result.