Artist Materials Advisor
- February 19, 2023 5832
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...
- February 12, 2023 2979
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...
- February 01, 2023 903
Learn how to select, determine the size and evaluate the quality of artist brushes with this comprehensive guide. Understand the different tuft shapes, hair types, sockets, and handles of artist brushes and how to properly clean and maintain them...
- January 24, 2023 2158
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...
- January 20, 2023 9466
Learn how to make your own gouache paint at home with this easy step-by-step guide. Mix pigments, gum arabic, and water to create your own opaque watercolors. Perfect for artists looking to experiment with new colors and consistency...
- January 18, 2023 1362
Although wax has been used for centuries as a wood finish and sometimes as a finish for pictures, wax does not provide the same protection as a varnish. However, wax has been used on top of varnishes to reduce surface gloss and protect the varnish from dirt. It is also useful as a protective coating on paintings that are not typically varnished, such as tempera or watercolor...
- December 21, 2022 2665
Natural Pigments introduces an oil painting medium called Italian Varnish. Italian Varnish was first mentioned by Jean-François-Léonor Mérimée in his 1839 book, The art of painting in oil and in fresco, as a “strong oil prepared in Italy from a very remote period, and which possesses the double-advantage of drying well, and preventing the flowing about of the most liquid glazing.”...
- December 04, 2022 803
This live episode of Art Materials Advisor features exclusive interviews by George O’Hanlon and Tatiana Zaytseva with silverpoint artists Koo Schadler, Lauren Redding, Erin Kono, and Michael Paul. Learn all about these artists and how they created the remarkable artwork they’ve achieved with the ancient drawing medium of silverpoint...
- November 26, 2022 2375
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...
- May 11, 2022 2470
Malachite, a mineral of copper, is one of the most beautiful minerals known. In the natural state, this relatively soft mineral usually shows various tints of green, varying from dark, rich green to bright Kelly green. Since the earliest civilizations, it has been carved into art forms, semiprecious jewelry, or ground into a fine powder for use as an artist’s pigment...