Choosing between the blacks and whites of artists colour
Pigments used in artists paints are true pigments, that is, unlike dyes, they have substance. They come as a fine dry powder, and should be free from impurities. Artists’ paints use pigments derived from many sources, traditionally this used to be naturally occurring stone, earths, metals but over time many have been replaced by man-made materials which provide a more permanent and stable pigment.
All pigments have their own characteristics and handling properties that the pet portrait artist should be aware of to get the best from his or her paints. None more so than the range of whites and blacks, surely they all do the same job? No. The various whites and to a lesser extend blacks, all behave slightly differently and create different challenges for the artist. Here is a list of the more usual types of pigment used and the way they perform in paint.
Titanium White
This is not a pure white, but has a very slight cream cast. It does have excellent covering power and high tinting strength. It also can be regarded as permanent, it’s only weakness being it can chalk if exposed to weathering outside.
Zinc White
This is a stark white with slight transparancy. It’s covering power is relatively poor and has average tinting strength. It is permanent.
Lead White (AKA. Flake white)
This is has some of the benefits of both Titanium white and Zinc white. Good lead white had excellent covering power and tinting strength. As it ages it does have a tendency to yellow, this can be lessened by adding a small amount of zinc white. Lead white is toxic.
Pearl White
This is a modern pigment made from a blend of Zinc White and finely ground mica. The finish is a white with an opalescent sheen similar to the surface of a pearl. It is used mainly in acrylic and gouache paints.
Lamp Black
Nearly all blacks are derived from carbon, which in itself is produced from different sources. As such, they have their own characteristics. Lamp black is an intense, absolute black, which appears to have a slight blue/brown cast that is only apparent in greys. As it does have a very fine grain, if mixed lightly with a medium, will become transparent. Although, due to it’s fine grain, if used thinly, can be transparent. If used heavily in lean media, it can have a sooty appearance. Lamp black can also be known as Carbon Black.
Ivory Black
Ivory black is the purest form of bone black, it’s said to be the most intense of the blacks.
Mars Black
This colour is also known as oxide black. It is extremely permanent and easier to prepare than the carbon blacks, so is favoured by artists that make their own pastels or tempera paints.
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