Why We Don’t Use Black Paint: The Color Philosophy Behind Amena Art

In a world of convenience, Amena Art has chosen tradition.

While most paint studios offer bottles of pre-mixed black paint, we do things a little differently. At every Create and Unwind experience—and throughout all of Amena’s original artwork—you’ll find something missing from the palette:

Black paint.

But don’t worry… it’s intentional. And powerful.

 

So Why Don’t We Use It?

“Black paint is just mixed pigment anyway,” says Amena. “So why not teach people how to mix it themselves—and actually understand what their color is made of?”

The most common black paint on the market is Ivory Black, which can appear dull or flat—especially when mixed with white. It lacks tonal warmth, which often leads to harsh contrast and visual disconnection within the artwork.

In color theory, black that doesn’t share undertones with your other colors can cause certain areas of your painting to feel like they don’t belong.

“You’ll notice the whole piece feels off—like parts of it were made by someone else,” Amena explains. “You lose the flow, the energy, the harmony. That’s not what we want in a finished work.”

Instead of reaching for a tube of black, we teach our guests and students to mix their own using the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.

Not only does this create a deeper understanding of how color works—it results in a black that’s warm, dynamic, and in full harmony with the rest of the painting.

 

It’s All About Harmony

Every painting at Amena Art is infused with harmony—color, movement, and emotion woven together in balance.

When you hand-mix your black, you can control the tone. Make it cooler or warmer. Add red to bring vibrancy, or blue to deepen shadows. It’s entirely custom to the palette you’re already using.

This process keeps every section of the painting unified, allowing the viewer’s eye to travel fluidly across the canvas without disruption.

 

A Learning Moment in Every Brushstroke

Guests at Create and Unwind are often surprised when they realize there’s no bottle of black nearby. But as they mix, explore, and create their own color combinations, something shifts.

“They get inspired,” says Amena. “Once they mix their first custom black, they feel like pros. And they get excited—because now they own that part of the process. It’s no longer generic. It’s theirs.”

Each session includes basic color mixing guidance, custom color charts, and assistance from the gallery team. And because we use primary color capsules, guests can take their paints home and keep experimenting after their session.

 

A Signature of Amena’s Style

This philosophy isn’t just for workshops—it’s core to Amena’s original work.

“I’m known for bright, bold colors—and that’s a huge part of the brand,” she says. “Using black paint would change the entire energy of my work. It wouldn’t be authentic.”

Collectors often find themselves mesmerized by the harmony of Amena’s pieces—wondering how depth and darkness are achieved without black paint.

“It becomes a conversation starter,” Amena adds. “People look closer. They start asking, ‘How did you get that shade?’ It opens the door to color theory, artistry, and emotion. It’s fun. It’s powerful. And it makes the work more alive.”

 

The Art of Color Is the Art of Energy

At Amena Art, we believe painting is more than filling in shapes—it’s about understanding and expressing energy.

Mixing your own black isn’t just a technique—it’s a philosophy of flow, harmony, and mastery.

And it’s one of the many ways we help artists—from first-timers to collectors—connect with their work on a deeper level.

 

Ready to try color mixing for yourself?

Visit AmenaArt.com to join us at a Create and Unwind session and experience what it feels like to make something beautifully, entirely your own.