Cadmium-Free Red Watercolor – All You Need to Know 2023

For artists, the choice of color is essential in creating a unique and compelling work of art. Every color has its unique characteristics that can evoke different emotions and moods. Cadmium-Free Red has found its place in the artist’s palette is versatile and vibrant. In this article, we will explore this color’s use and significance in the art world, providing insights into why it continues to be a popular choice among artists.

Cadmium-Free Red by different brands

Find 2 manufacturers of watercolors below. We’ve also compiled a list of our favorite art supplies here.

Cadmium-Free Red  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Cadmium-Free Red
A blue shade red with a deep mass tone and soft, creamy undertones, alternative to Cadmium Red. Please note product packaging may vary from image.
Color No.: 901 Lightfastness:I – Excellent Opacity:Opaque
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Cadmium-Free Red Deep  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Cadmium-Free Red Deep
A dark and velvety red with soft, blue undertones, alternative to Cadmium Red Deep. Please note product packaging may vary from image.
Color No.: 895 Lightfastness:I – Excellent Opacity:Opaque
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Tips when choosing colors

When it comes to choosing colors for watercolor painting, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the color wheel and how different colors interact with each other. Understanding complementary colors, warm and cool tones, and color harmonies can help you create dynamic and visually appealing artworks. Additionally, think about the subject matter and the mood you want to convey. For example, if you are painting a landscape, you may want to choose greens and blues for a calming and natural feel. Lastly, experiment with different brands and pigments to find colors that suit your style and technique. Remember, the color choices you make can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your artwork, so take your time and choose wisely.
Also read, watercolor essentials to see which colors are essential.

History of Cadmium-Free Red

Cadmium-Free Red is a bright, warm red watercolor paint that is known for its high pigment concentration and excellent lightfastness. Unlike Cadmium Red, which is made from cadmium sulfoselenide, a synthetic pigment, Cadmium-Free Red is made from a combination of organic and inorganic pigments. The history of Cadmium-Free Red can be traced back to the late 20th century when watercolor artists began looking for alternatives to cadmium pigments, which are known to be toxic. Cadmium-Free Red quickly gained popularity for its ability to create bright, vibrant washes without the health risks associated with cadmium pigments. Today, Cadmium-Free Red is widely used by watercolor artists all over the world, and its bright, warm hue is perfect for creating bold, eye-catching paintings. It is especially useful for depicting warm, fiery tones in landscape and figurative paintings. Fun Fact: Cadmium-Free Red is often used in conjunction with other cadmium-free colors to create bright, vivid watercolor paintings.

How watercolor paint is made

Watercolor paint is typically made from a few simple ingredients:
  • pigments
  • binders
  • water
Watercolor manaufacturing
The pigments used in watercolor paints can be organic or inorganic compounds, such as minerals or synthetic chemicals. These pigments are finely ground and then mixed with a binder, which helps the pigment particles adhere to the paper when the paint is applied. The most common binder used in watercolor paints is gum arabic, a natural resin extracted from the sap of the acacia tree. Gum arabic is mixed with the pigment to create a thick paste, which is then combined with water to create the final paint. Other additives may be added to the paint to improve its performance or create specific effects. For example, some watercolor paints may include wetting agents to help the paint spread more evenly on the paper, or preservatives to extend the paint’s shelf life.
Testing newly made watercolor paint
Testing newly made watercolor paint
Watercolor paints are available in a wide range of colors and textures, from transparent washes to opaque and granulated pigments. Different manufacturers may use slightly different formulations or ingredients in their paints, which can affect the quality and performance of the paint. If you’re interested in learning about other colors, check out our pages on Cadmium Red Deep, Cadmium-Free Red Deep, and Winsor Red, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

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