What Is a Colour Photo Transfer?Understanding the Process + Choosing Between Colour and Black & White
As an artist, I’m always looking for ways to help people connect more deeply with their creativity, especially those who think they “can’t draw.” One of the most powerful and accessible techniques I use (and teach!) is the photo transfer.
This method is not only beginner-friendly, but also incredibly rich with potential for mixed media, storytelling, and visual exploration.
What Is a Colour Photo Transfer?
A colour photo transfer is a creative process that allows you to take a printed photograph — often on regular laser printer paper — and embed it into a new surface, such as canvas, wood, or paper, using a gel medium or acrylic-based medium.
The image becomes part of the surface, not just placed on top like a collage. Once transferred, it can be painted into, drawn over, or layered with glazes. It’s a beautiful way to integrate photography into fine art.
The colour version of a transfer retains the original hues of the photograph. It’s especially useful when you want to maintain an expressive mood or emphasize realistic details like skin tones, sunsets, or nature scenes.
What About Black & White Transfers?
A black and white transfer is created in the same way, but with a photo converted to grayscale. You lose the colour information — but gain something else: a stronger focus on value, contrast, and form.
Black and white transfers can be incredibly powerful tools for:
- Practicing light and shadow without the distraction of colour
- Creating a neutral base for painting (especially value studies)
- Giving your work a timeless, classic or moody aesthetic
Colour vs. Black & White: When to Use Each?
Both methods have their place in a creative practice — and often, artists use them at different stages of a project depending on the effect they’re after.
Choose Colour Transfers when:
- You want to preserve the emotional tone or warmth of the image
- You’re working with vibrant natural subjects (flowers, wildlife, people)
- The colours themselves are part of the story
- You plan to enhance or glaze over the original colours with transparent paint layers
Choose Black & White Transfers when:
- You want to practice value studies (lights, darks, and midtones)
- You plan to add your own colour from scratch and want a neutral base
- You’re working on a monochromatic piece
- You’re preparing for a painting and want to study the structure of the image first
Why I Teach This Technique
In the Authentic Muse Membership, and in my workshops, I guide students through both colour and black & white photo transfers — not only because the results are beautiful, but because the process helps develop essential skills:
- Observation
- Value recognition
- Composition
- Playful experimentation
- Confidence building
And the best part? You don’t need any drawing or painting experience to begin.
Want to Try It?
Each month, I guide members through a new Muse Studio Session — often using photo transfers as a foundation for deeper creative exploration. These sessions are free for members, but available to non-members as a one-time drop-in.
This month’s session: Garden Sketches with Charcoal & Light
We’re exploring soft florals and expressive mark-making using black & white transfers and charcoal.
Join the session here
Or learn more about how the Muse Studio Sessions can support your creative journey.
