French Ultramarine 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. French Ultramarine 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.

French Ultramarine by different brands

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

French Ultramarine  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor French Ultramarine
French Ultramarine is a rich transparent blue. It was created by French chemist Guimet in 1828 as a synthetic but chemically identical alternative to the expensive pigment derived from Lapis Lazuli.
Color No.: 263 Lightfastness:I – Excellent Opacity:Transparent
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

French Ultramarine  – Rembrandt

Watercolor French Ultramarine
Color No.: 503 Lightfastness: Opacity: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 French Ultramarine

French Ultramarine is a rich, deep blue watercolor tone that has been used by artists for centuries. The color gets its name from the fact that it was originally made from a pigment called lapis lazuli, which was imported from Afghanistan and was therefore considered to be “beyond the sea” or “ultramarine.” The process of extracting the pigment was expensive and time-consuming, making French Ultramarine one of the most expensive pigments available in the 19th century. Today, French Ultramarine is still a popular watercolor tone, although it is now made using synthetic pigments. The color is known for its intense blue hue, which makes it ideal for painting skies, water, and other natural elements. It can also be used to create beautiful shadows and depth in paintings, making it a popular choice for portraits and still life paintings. Fun fact: French Ultramarine was used by the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in many of his paintings, including his famous work “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Vermeer was known for his use of light and color, and French Ultramarine was one of his favorite colors to use in his 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 Ultramarine (Green Shade), Cobalt Blue, and Winsor Blue (Green Shade), which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

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