Pigments
Pigments are the colorants used in paints, inks, plastics, fabrics, cosmetics, and food. By mixing pigments with a binder you can create your own acrylic, oil, tempera, watercolor, and other paints and inks.
Discover lithopone pigment's history, properties, and its role in fine art and conservation. Learn how modern techniques address its historical challenges...
Learn why oil paint cracks, the pigments most prone to cracking, and practical tips for preventing damage to your paintings...
Explore Willem Beurs’ guide to 17th-century painting techniques, covering pigments, materials, and timeless methods for artists...
Discover the secrets of pararealgar in Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Explore its history, chemistry, and applications for artists today...
Discover how pigment particles affect paint properties such as gloss, tinting strength, opacity, and weather resistance. Optimize your paints for long-lasting, vibrant results...
Discover how aqueous pigment dispersions simplify paint making, offer safety, and enhance your creative process with consistent and versatile results...
Smalt, a historical blue pigment made from cobalt and potassium glass, was widely used by old masters, including Rembrandt. Over time, smalt is prone to degradation, shifting from vibrant blue to grey-yellow due to potassium leaching. This degradation affects both the color and structural integrity of the paint. Studies show that higher potassium content and controlled humidity can mitigate these effects. By understanding smalt's chemistry and applying preventive measures, artists and conservators can preserve the pigment's brilliance in artworks for future generations. This review provides insights into smalt’s history, its use in masterpieces, and modern preservation techniques...
Jacob Christopher Le Blon (1667–1741) was an engraver who developed what is perhaps the first system of color printing using three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. In his treatise, Coloritto, Or the Harmony of Colouring in Painting, he propounds a painting theory that interests students and professionals alike. Uncover the secrets of Le Blon's color theory in oil painting. Dive into how primary colors revolutionize art techniques and education...
Discover the Zorn palette's role in Anders Zorn's iconic self-portraits. Our analysis reveals how his select pigments create depth, texture, and vibrancy. Delve into the artistry behind his color choices...
Explore how Joaquín Sorolla's color technique in Visions of Spain revolutionized the use of light and color to depict the Spanish landscape and culture. A deep dive into his artistic vision...
Explore the advanced realm of synthetic transparent iron oxide pigments with our detailed article. Focusing on their unique properties of transparency, enhanced lightfastness, and environmental safety, this guide delves into the intricacies of black, brown, and red iron oxides. Ideal for artists in oil painting, these pigments offer an unparalleled blend of vibrant, lasting colors and non-toxicity, revolutionizing the way colors are perceived and utilized in art. Discover the technical processes behind these pigments and how they can transform your artistic expression...
Discover the vibrant world of ultramarine blue pigment. This guide for artists delves into the history, composition, and techniques of using ultramarine blue, a pigment cherished for its depth and brilliance in art...
