Permanent Alizarin Crimson 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. Permanent Alizarin Crimson 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.

Permanent Alizarin Crimson by different brands

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

Permanent Alizarin Crimson  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Highly transparent with a blue undertone, Permanent Alizarin Crimson is a vivid red colour.Please note that due to a pigment change there may be two different product formulations in circulation. Pigment PR206 is being phased out and replaced by PR179. PR179 provides a colour that technically cannot be closer to the original, but is not identical.
Color No.: 466 Lightfastness: Opacity:Transparent
Staining: Staining Granulation: Non-Granulating Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Permanent Alizarin Crimson  – Daniel Smith

Watercolor Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Permanent Alizarin Crimson, developed with our customers, blends pigments to produce an exceptionally lightfast red with true Alizarin Crimson character and versatility. Like classic Alizarin, it is vibrant, medium staining and very transparent, with the undeniable advantage of permanence. Try a rich and bold application or a blush of crimson color in a light wash, we know you’ll love this beautiful shade.
Color No.: Lightfastness:I – Excellent Opacity:Transparent
Staining: 3-Medium Staining Granulation: Non-Granulating Sizes: 5ml tubes; 15ml tubes; Sticks; 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 Permanent Alizarin Crimson

Permanent Alizarin Crimson is a synthetic organic pigment commonly used in watercolor painting. It is a deep red hue that is highly valued for its lightfastness and durability. The pigment was first introduced by the American color manufacturer, Grumbacher, in the 1930s as a replacement for traditional Alizarin Crimson, which was known for its poor lightfastness. Permanent Alizarin Crimson is made from a synthetic organic compound known as quinacridone. This compound was developed in the early 20th century as a replacement for natural pigments, which were expensive and often not very lightfast. Quinacridone pigments are highly saturated, transparent, and lightfast, making them ideal for use in watercolor paints. Fun fact: Despite its name, Permanent Alizarin Crimson is not actually a true alizarin crimson pigment. True alizarin crimson is made from the roots of the madder plant and has been used as a dye and pigment for thousands of years.

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 Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Carmine, and Permanent Rose, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

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