The Artyfect Blog Information for Artist's

 Frequently Asked Questions

Water colour is the most popular painting method today. Its popularity can largely be attributed to the exquisite effects of depth, texture and light which can be achieved from its delicate washes. It is also attractive for its portability - all you need is a paint box, brush and paper.

Almost all artists have a water colour box, whether it is their specialisation or a sketching tool to support their oil or acrylic work. Albrecht Durer was perhaps the first to use water colour as a medium in its own right, for his animal and landscape studies in the early 16th century. In the early 19th century Turner can quite justifiably be regarded as the first exponent of modern water colour.

You will find below a selection of FAQs relating to using Artists' Water Colour. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for you can email us. 

1.  What are primary colours in the Artists' Water Colour range?

2.  What does hue mean when used in colour name?

3.  Which whites are in the Artists' Water Colour range?

4.  Which are good brushes to use with Artists' Water Colour?

5.  Can solidified tubes be rescued?

6.  Can you make pans by allowing tube colour to solidify?

1. What are primary colours in the Artists' Water Colour range?

All colours in the Artists' Water Colour range make bright clean mixes. Artists are however, often interested in the colour theory of painting. The three primary colours in the Artists' Water Colour range are Winsor Lemon, Winsor Blue (Red Shade) and Permanent Rose. These colours are the best selection when only three colours are used.

When using a six colour mixing system, we recommend Winsor Lemon, Winsor Yellow, French Ultramarine, Winsor Blue (Green Shade), Permanent Rose and Scarlet Lake.

2. What does hue mean when used in colour name?

"Hue" means colour and indicates that a modern pigment has been used instead of the traditional one. For example, 'Cadmium Red Pale Hue' is a 'colour of cadmium red pale'. A hue colour is not necessarily inferior.

3. Which whites are in the Artists' Water Colour range?

Within the traditional water colour technique, the white of the paper provides the white used as highlights in a painting as well as providing a light-reflecting background which contributes to the overall brilliance of water colours. 

However, many artists use Chinese White at the end of their painting for highlights or to dull some colour mixtures during painting.  Introduced by Winsor & Newton in 1834, Chinese White is the most popular white in water colour.  It is semi-opaque and has a blue undertone.  Titanium White (Opaque White), is the whitest, most opaque white.  It has a high tinting strength and a high covering power.

4. Which are good brushes to use with Artists' Water Colour?

For advice on selecting a brush for Artists' Water Colour please click here.  

5. Can solidified tubes be rescued?

It will not be possible to return Winsor and Newton Cotman Water Colour tubes to their liquid form. However, you will be able to use them as a type of pan colour. We would point out that they will not perform as well as our Artists' Water Colour Pans that have been formulated specifically for pan application. Adding a little Winsor & Newton Gum Arabic medium may help as well.

To prolong the life of your water colour tubes for as long as possible always ensure:

1. The threads on the neck are free of colour

2. The lid is replaced tightly

3. The tubes are stored at ambient temperature

6. Can you make pans by allowing tube colour to solidify?

It is generally not advisable to make pans from solidified tube colour as better results are obtained using the custom formulated pan. It is however possible to create a kind of pan colour by doing this which can be improved by adding a little extra Winsor & Newton Gum Arabic medium.