Pigments

Explore the history, properties, and uses of green earth pigments in art. This ancient pigment has been used for thousands of years and has a wide range of hues, making it an essential material for creating naturalistic works of art. Its unique properties, including moderate tinting strength and excellent lightfastness, have made it a favorite of artists throughout history and continue to make it a valuable pigment for artists today. By taking a journey through the history and uses of green earth pigments, artists can discover the potential of this pigment to bring new life to their own art...

Burnt Sienna for Painters provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using burnt sienna pigment in painting. The article covers the history, chemistry, and properties of burnt sienna, as well as its uses in different painting techniques and mediums. It also includes tips on mixing burnt sienna with other colors and how to achieve different shades and hues. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, this article is a valuable resource for anyone interested in using burnt sienna in their art...

Discover the beauty and versatility of raw sienna pigment, a natural earth pigment widely used by artists since the Renaissance. Explore the history and properties of this versatile pigment and enhance your artistic creations with its unique qualities...

Umber, a natural brown earth pigment, has been a staple in the artist's toolkit for centuries. This versatile and sustainable pigment has a unique chemical composition that lends itself to a range of artistic applications, from painting to paper marbling. In this article, we will explore the history of Umber, its properties and uses, and how it is sourced. We will also examine its chemical composition and the various ways in which it can be used in the fine arts. Whether you are a professional artist or simply curious about the materials used in art-making, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Umber and its enduring place in the world of art materials...

Explore the use of pigments in Van Gogh's art, including his revolutionary techniques and the potential risks associated with his use of toxic materials. Discover the ways in which scientists have analyzed and studied the pigments used in his iconic paintings...

This article explores the sources and uses of cobalt metal, including its role in the creation of vibrant and durable pigments used in art, ceramics, and glass. The article also delves into the advantages and disadvantages of using cobalt pigments and the potential health risks associated with their use. Additionally, the article discusses the growing demand for cobalt in various industries, such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare, and its crucial role in the production of electric vehicles and rechargeable batteries...

Yellow ocher, a natural earth pigment, has been used for centuries by artists to create beautiful artworks with warm and earthy tones. From ancient Egypt to modern times, it has been a favorite among painters, and its rich history and properties continue to fascinate people. In this article, we explore the origins and fascinating properties of yellow ocher, examine how artists have used it throughout history, and explore how it has evolved over time...

Venetian Red, the rich and vibrant red earth pigment that has captivated artists for centuries, evokes the grandeur and elegance of the Italian Renaissance. This iconic pigment has been used in some of the most famous oil paintings, frescoes, and watercolors of all time, and remains a favorite among artists today. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history and production of Venetian Red, exploring its unique properties and lasting legacy. From its origins in the hills of Italy, to its role in the art world, this is the story of a pigment that has left a lasting imprint on the world of art...

This article explores the history, source, chemical composition, properties, compatibility, permanence, and toxicity of the pigments Ultramarine Violet (PV 15) and Ultramarine Blue (PB 29) in painting...

Cadmium sulfide compounds form a significant group of yellow to red pigments. The discovery of cadmium began with the medicinal use of another element, zinc. The very property that led to the condemnation of zinc white, which ultimately brought about the discovery of cadmium, is the yellow color, now most frequently used in paint, ceramics, glass, and plastics...

Azurite is composed of mineral basic carbonate of copper, found in many parts of the world in the upper oxidized portions of copper ore deposits. Azurite varies in masstone color from deep blue to pale blue with a greenish undertone depending on such factors as the purity of the mineral and the grade (particle size) of the pigment. Azurite was the most important blue pigment in European painting throughout the middle ages and Renaissance...

One way Venetian artists developed color in their paintings was to apply multiple thin, translucent layers that blend color in luminous, vibrant ways. Lomazzo described it in his treatise as painting “transparently.” This method of color mixing, known today as glazing, relies on being able to paint translucently, smoothly, and thinly. Glazes rely on achieving transparency which is antithetical to the opacity or hiding power of pigments. Venetian artists’ innovative use of materials aloe them to create remarkable glazes that are more complex than previously supposed by art historians...