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 Green 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 Green by different brands
Find 4 manufacturer(s) of watercolors below. We’ve also compiled a list of our favorite art supplies here.
Phthalo Green – Van Gogh
| Color No.: 675 | Lightfastness: | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation: | Sizes: Tube 10 ml |
Phthalo Green – Rembrandt
| Color No.: 675 | Lightfastness: | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation: | Sizes: Tube 10 ml |
Phthalo Green (Blue Shade) – Daniel Smith
Phthalo Green (Blue Shade) is a black-green. Concentrated to diluted states, it is a transparent and super staining green. Organic and absolutely lightfast, most artists find this color indispensable. The slightly bluish shade can be readily modified with yellows and reds. Creates luminous, effective darks or clean glazes.
| Color No.: | Lightfastness:I – Excellent | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining:4-High Staining | Granulation:Non-Granulating | Sizes: 5ml tubes; 15ml tubes; Sticks; Half Pans |
Phthalo Green Yellow – Rembrandt
| Color No.: 681 | 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 Green
Phthalo Green is a synthetic pigment that was first introduced in the 1930s as a replacement for Viridian Green, which was expensive and difficult to produce. Phthalo Green is composed of copper phthalocyanine and is known for its intense and bright green color. It has become a popular pigment among watercolor artists due to its versatility and ability to create a wide range of greens when mixed with other pigments. However, its staining properties make it difficult to lift or remove from paper, so it is important to use it sparingly.
Fun fact: Phthalo Green was originally developed as a dye for the textile industry, but it was soon discovered that it could also be used as a pigment. Today, it is one of the most widely used pigments in the world of art and design.
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 Permanent Orange, Permanent Red Light, and Madder Lake Light, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.