subject: How to Choose your Oil Painting colors wisely ? [print this page] How to Choose your Oil Painting colors wisely ?
This list includes the colors that are the most useful and the most economical for what you need. Some well-known name brands are Windsor Newton Winton line, Grumbacher Academy colors, and Gamblin. Always buy the 37 ml tubes; the little guys (about the size of your little finger) just aren't worth the bother unless you see them on sale for $1 each.
Cadmium yellow light (hue): A brilliant light yellow. Buy the exact color (not just plain old cadmium yellow; it must be "light"). If you can find a hue version, all the better. Hue indicates that the manufacturer has used substitute pigments. The substitutes are great for beginners because the result looks just the same as real cadmium. The hue allows you to indulge in some brilliant color without worrying about the cost.
Cadmium red light (hue): A brilliant, opaque, bright red. Again, don't buy cadmium red hue unless it's "light." The regular versions are too dark, and you can't be as flexible in how you use them.
Alizarin crimson: A transparent wine-colored red that's used to make violets and reds.
Ultramarine blue: A deep transparent blue. You may see it as French ultramarine, which is the same color, but it's made with substitute pigments (and it sounds fancy). You can buy either one; the cost and appearance are almost the same.
Titanium white: A dense, opaque, and inexpensive white
Mars black: An opaque black
Here are some optional colors you may also want to consider:
Cerulean blue hue: This color is a lighter, more opaque blue than the ultramarine; you may want it for a beautiful sky-blue or for water. Always start out with the "hue" version so that you feel free to use as much as you like.
Yellow ochre: This mustard color of yellow makes the browns, natural yellows, and oranges that you see in nature.
Dioxazine purple: A deep, transparent blue-purple. This color is great for mixing a wide range of violets, and it works well as a complementary color for dulling oranges.
