Indanthrene Blue 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. Indanthrene Blue 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.

Indanthrene Blue by different brands

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

Indanthrene Blue  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Indanthrene Blue
Indanthrene Blue is a clean deep blue pigment. It is fully lightfast and is a transparent colour. It is a modern organic pigment and was originally introduced into the Winsor & Newton range in 1991.
Color No.: 321 Lightfastness: Opacity:Semi-Transparent
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Indanthrene Blue  – Rembrandt

Watercolor Indanthrene Blue
Color No.: 585 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 Indanthrene Blue

Indanthrene Blue is a deep, rich blue watercolor tone that was first developed in 1901 by the German chemical company BASF. The color is made from a synthetic pigment that is derived from indigo dye, which gives it its distinctive blue hue. Indanthrene Blue is known for its lightfastness and durability, making it a popular choice for artists who want to create paintings that will last for many years. Today, Indanthrene Blue is still a popular watercolor tone among artists, particularly those who work in the realms of architecture and design. It is often used to create blueprints, maps, and technical drawings, as well as for painting skies, water, and other natural elements. The color is also popular for creating shadows and adding depth to paintings, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any watercolor palette. Fun fact: Indanthrene Blue was used by the famous American artist Edward Hopper in many of his paintings, including his iconic work “Nighthawks.” Hopper was known for his use of light and shadow, and Indanthrene Blue 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 Smalt (Dumont’s Blue), Cobalt Blue Deep, and French Ultramarine, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

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