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. Phthalo 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.
Phthalo Blue by different brands
Find 4 manufacturer(s) of watercolors below. We’ve also compiled a list of our favorite art supplies here.
Phthalo Blue – Van Gogh
| Color No.: 570 | Lightfastness: | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation:Non-Granulating | Sizes: Tube 10 ml |
Phthalo Blue (Green Shade) – Daniel Smith
For cool, clean staining shadows and reflected light on windows, super staining, super transparent Phthalo Blue is a popular pure chroma organic pigment. Mix with Hansa Yellow for luminous greens.
| Color No.: | Lightfastness:I – Excellent | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining:4-High Staining | Granulation:Non-Granulating | Sizes: 5ml tubes; 15ml tubes; Sticks; Half Pans |
Phthalo Blue Greenish – Rembrandt
| Color No.: 576 | Lightfastness: | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation: | Sizes: Tube 10 ml |
Phthalo Blue Reddish – Rembrandt
| Color No.: 583 | Lightfastness: | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation: | Sizes: Tube 10 ml |
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 Phthalo Blue
Phthalo Blue is a bright, intense blue color that is a part of the phthalocyanine family of pigments. It is one of the most widely used pigments in the world, and it is prized by watercolor artists for its ability to create rich, transparent washes and intense, vivid colors.
Phthalo Blue was first developed in the 1930s as a replacement for traditional pigments that were prone to fading and other forms of degradation. Unlike traditional pigments, phthalocyanine pigments are synthetic compounds that are made through chemical reactions. This allows them to be precisely engineered for specific color properties and performance characteristics.
Phthalo Blue is highly versatile and can be used to create a wide range of colors when mixed with other pigments. It is also highly lightfast and durable, making it a popular choice for artists who want their paintings to last for generations.
Fun fact: Phthalo Blue is often used as a colorant in plastics, textiles, and other materials due to its intense color properties and lightfastness. It is also used as a dye in the textile industry, where it is prized for its ability to create vivid, long-lasting colors.
How watercolor paint is made
Watercolor paint is typically made from a few simple ingredients:
- pigments
- binders
- water
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.
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 Cobalt Turquoise Green, Light Oxide Red, and Davy’S Grey, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.