Black fur needs highlights?

[Nathalie]

Hi!

Thanks so much for posting the colour mixing webinar video on YouTube - I watched it, got a LOT from it, and now have a question that hopefully someone can help me with

I am currently working on an oil painting of a black poodle, and have been mixing my black by using french ultramarine, alizarin crimson and burnt umber. The picture I am painting from was taken in direct sunlight, so the highlights are very "white" and I can see all the colours of the rainbow in the highlighted hair!

My question is: how do I mix a colour to make a good highlight that doesn't appear grey and washed out? I am struggling to get some variation on in the dog, and as a result I feel my painting is flat.

Any ideas recommendations out there?
Many thanks!

[Germa]

Since the dog is in the sunlight, maybe a tiny little bit of yellow mixed with white? Or just add a bit ultramarine through your white?
Or, maybe use plain white?
If it mixes with your black, you could wait till the black is dry before you put the highlights in?

[lynn p.]

Nathalie--Why don't you post your painting so we can help in the best way.  When I have highlighted that type of lively black, I have added a bright lemon yellow and a bit of white to the black so that it stays alive but not sure if that will work, given your description.  Of course, it is always good to paint the color you actually see.

[Nathalie]

Thank you both for replying . I have not tried either option, so will do that today, and see how it looks! I am posting a photo of the painting so far - I hope it has enough resolution so you can see.

Details

[Val]

Beautiful Nathalie  Coming along brilliantly. Wonderful detail and colouring thus far. 

[lynn p.]

Nathalie--I think that is absolutely great.  You have it!!

[polliwag]

Nathalie, He looks so cute!!! Just want to reach out and pet him.  Great job!  Coloring looks good to me.

[C.Bodine]

Natalie, that is amazing! A wonderful likeness!

[MaryAnne Long]

What a cute dog, Nathalie.  Fabulous job on the fur.  Looks so realistic.

I tried painting a dog and know how challenging it can be.

Great piece of work!

aloha

mea

[vic ']

really nice work.

[Tania]

Nathalie you are doing a fabulous job on this pooch!  I look forward to seeing the next installment!

[Germa]

Looks great to me! 
Nothing wrong with your highlights neither a flat painting.

[Nathalie]

Thanks everyone, for the feedback
Just going to carry on as I have been, and give the white and yellow, and white and Ultramarine highlights a try too.
I think I have been painting in too much of a 'vacuum' and getting too 'close' to the painting, and so am very appreciative to have you all to share with and to give me some perspective!

hugs
nathalie

[nolan]

I usuallu use sky colour for the highlights to ensure they are not dead, but the colours you are using now look awesome. This is going to be a masterpiece 

PS - to the PB Nathalie