Think black cats are just solid black? Think again! In this step-by-step acrylic painting tutorial, I’ll show you how even total beginners can create a vibrant, lifelike black cat portrait full of depth, texture, and personality. The secret? Black fur isn’t truly black— it’s packed with hidden colors that make it pop off the canvas.
Step 1: Set the Scene with a Fun Background
Start by covering your canvas in a light magenta base coat. Then, grab a stencil and add a repeating wallpaper pattern using an airbrush (or just a regular brush if you don’t have one—the airbrush simply saves time). This creates an eye-catching backdrop that makes your cat stand out.
Step 2: Transfer Your Image Cleanly (No Eraser Mess!)
Skip freehand sketching on the canvas—it almost always leads to smudges and frustration. Instead, use tracing paper and transfer paper: Trace your reference photo (or your own sketch), then transfer a crisp, clean outline directly onto the canvas. Perfect lines every time!
Step 3: Build Fur Texture with White Highlights First
Block in the cat with solid black paint. But don’t stop there—real fur needs texture! Paint all the highlights and fur strands in pure white using a rake brush (or a liner/small round brush). This simple step sets up an easy foundation and makes glazing later much more forgiving for beginners.
Step 4: Glaze with Color – The Magic Moment!
Now layer thin, transparent glazes over the white highlights: red oxide and magenta for warmth across most of the fur, plus blue in the cooler shadows. It might feel bold, but this is what transforms flat black into rich, glowing fur that feels alive.
Step 5: Paint Soulful Eyes That Pop
Eyes are everything! Start with a base color, then add a soft shadow across the upper iris—this one trick turns flat, creepy eyes into round, realistic ones. Finish with a small highlight at the bottom and a curved catchlight on top for that 3D sparkle.
Step 6: Final Fur Details
Use a small round or liner brush to add the finishing strands. Follow your reference photo closely: Pay attention to fur direction, clumping, and natural flow. More strokes don’t equal more realism— it’s about the right strokes in the right places.
And there you have it— a breathtaking black cat portrait that’s beginner-friendly and full of life! Grab your acrylics, follow along with the video tutorial, and paint your own. You’ve got this!
Supplies I Actually Used (amazon affiliate links)
- Fredrix watercolor canvas pad 9×12? https://amzn.to/4ds35Dc
- My favorite cheap brush set https://amzn.to/44Jj9OD
- Taklon Bristled Brush Set (shown in video) https://amzn.to/4iNQ09y
- Liquitex high gloss varnish https://amzn.to/3no14yG
- Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paints http://amzn.to/2qjrVgU
- Water Well (to clean the brushes) http://amzn.to/2oTlnU7
- Masterson Art Palette http://amzn.to/2oTxccT
- New Wave Glass Palette http://amzn.to/2AXj9KL
- Fine Mist Sprayer https://amzn.to/3wSsj9w
- Tracing paper (any brand, needs to be the size of your canvas)
- Transfer paper in white https://amzn.to/3Tgxp9W
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