Ultramarine Violet 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. Ultramarine Violet 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.

Ultramarine Violet by different brands

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

Ultramarine Violet  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Ultramarine Violet
Ultramarine Violet is a rich purple colour. It is a derivation of French Ultramarine, a synthetic pigment created in 1828 by French chemist Guimet as an alternative to genuine Ultramarine.
Color No.: 672 Lightfastness:I – Excellent Opacity:Semi-Transparent
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Ultramarine Violet  – Rembrandt

Watercolor Ultramarine Violet
Color No.: 507 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 Ultramarine Violet

Ultramarine Violet is a deep, rich violet-blue color made from the pigment ultramarine, which is derived from lapis lazuli stones. It was first introduced as a watercolor pigment in the 19th century and quickly became popular among artists for its deep, vibrant color. Ultramarine Violet is a versatile pigment that can be used to create a range of effects, from deep, moody shadows to bright, shimmering highlights. It is particularly effective when used in glazes or as a wash, allowing the artist to create subtle gradations of color and tone. Fun Fact: Lapis lazuli was once more valuable than gold, and it was used by the ancient Egyptians to make jewelry and other decorative objects.

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 Winsor Violet (Dioxazine), Indanthrene Blue, and Smalt (Dumont’s Blue), which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

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