Cadmium Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange by different brands

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

Cadmium Orange  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Cadmium Orange
A vivid and rich orange with deep red undertones. Cadmium Orange is an opaque orange colour with high tinting strength and good covering abilities. Cadmium pigments were discovered in the 1820s as a by-product to the zinc production. Please note product packaging may vary from image.
Color No.: 89 Lightfastness:I – Excellent Opacity:Opaque
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Cadmium Orange  – Rembrandt

Watercolor Cadmium Orange
Color No.: 211 Lightfastness: Opacity:Semi-transparent
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: Tube 10 ml
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 Orange

Cadmium Orange is a warm, vibrant orange watercolor paint that is named after the metallic element cadmium, which is one of its key ingredients. The color is known for its high pigment concentration and excellent lightfastness, making it a popular choice among watercolor artists who are looking for a bold, long-lasting orange. The history of Cadmium Orange can be traced back to the mid-19th century when cadmium pigments first began to be used in the production of artists’ paints. As the popularity of these pigments grew, Cadmium Orange quickly became a staple in many artists’ palettes. Today, Cadmium Orange is widely used by watercolor artists all over the world, and its warm, vibrant hue is perfect for creating bold, eye-catching paintings. Fun Fact: The color of Cadmium Orange can vary depending on the specific pigment used, with some versions appearing more red or yellow than others.

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-Free Orange, Winsor Orange, and Winsor Orange (Red Shade), which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

Leave a Comment