Some time back I bought a pad of black paper. I put it in a cabinet and forgot about it until recently, when I noticed it while looking for something else.
I had recently bought a new white pen. I figured I’d do a little doodling to see how the pen worked, and if I liked using black paper. I drew objects I saw on the TV show we were watching as well as some fanciful embellishments. I don’t know who the woman is that I pictured – just drew a face and there she was.
I’m not that interested in the black paper but I like the white pen a lot. That’s my conclusion from this little foray. But, there are still pages left in the black paper pad. I am sure I will find something to do with them in due time.
I think that this page represents the idea of daydreaming, or ideas that flow through the mind with no order to them except what they make for themselves.
Claudia McGill and Her Art World 
Isn’t it interesting how much more crowded white on black looks than (I suspect) the same thing done with black on white would? Maybe it’s because of the change in negative space. Nevertheless, I like this, especially your rendering of the woman. And especially her hair, for some reason! What kind of white pen are you using? I fairly often use a bit of white ink on a collage but am not always happy with the pen quality (some skipping at times).
Nancy, Leonie here, that’s such an interesting observation about the white on black. I think you are correct. The Uniball Sigma in white is my go to gel pen. It’s a consistent performer compared to other brands, so I find.
Thank you. I know, the reverse coloring of this picture is also giving it a sort of warmer or more personal feeling to me – there is less open space, you feel, I think. I need to try turning it opposite to see what that looks li8ke, maybe…The pen I used is a Uniball Signo. I got it from Jet Pens, where I buy a lot of pens. There are tutorials or product comparisons on many many of their products and I think picked this up from a comparison of white pens. I love this site for the vast amount of info they have and the assortment of pens is wider than other places,with different offerings.
Yes, I agree it IS warmer, and more intimate. Your experimental nature is a real inspiration, Claudia. And thank you for the pen info — I’d never heard of Jet Pens! Just checked the site and I will have an absolute blast looking through it and ordering some new ones.
Claudia, I am wondering if black paper responds to bleach the way black cloth does? Putting some bleach on may reveal different undercolours. Speaking of which I should probably grab some black paper from my own stash and give it ago.
Hmmm, I had not thought of that. I wonder too. Would it be like black fabric in how it behaves? I have done the bleach thing with black fabric and gotten some very cool results. Hmmm. I only need to take the pad of paper into the basement and find the bleach…
Claudia, I think the white pen on black gives a very nice emphasis to the way you use line. I like it very much!
Thank you. It was fun to do this and I find myself drawing a bit differently than I do with black pen on white paper – more free flowing. Could be the pen, or ti could be the exoticness (to me) of doing something in this reverse way.
Thank you very much, Leonie — I’ll try the Uniball Sigma.
I agree that black paper can be sort of a conundrum. Great for collage work and for things like white and metallic markers and pastel for a very particular look. Since you already have it, seems like the best use for it is exactly what you are doing.
Thank you. I bought the pad of paper for a whim and never figured out what to do with it but now I am getting a better idea. It certainly does make a difference in colors and how they appear, and this white pen thing is fun.
Ooooo – that is very cool! I think you should do more sketches like this!
I do have a whole pad of black paper…
Well I can’t wait to see what’s going to be made next 🙂
It gives a dramatic tone to the picture, and I love your crowded picture. I also like to draw with grey on black paper, it looks like silver.
Thank you. I just bought a couple of gray pens and have used them only a little so far. Your idea is wonderful. It inspires me to get out my black paper and see what I come up with!