In oil painting, pigment is the finely ground, colored powder that provides the paint's color. It's the key ingredient determining the hue, saturation, and overall visual impact of the artwork. This colored powder is suspended in a drying oil, most commonly linseed oil, to create the paint's workable consistency.
Types of Oil Painting Pigments
Pigments come from a variety of sources, both natural and synthetic. Examples include:
- Mineral salts: Such as zinc oxide (white), titanium dioxide (white), and cadmium pigments (ranging from red to yellow). These are frequently used due to their brightness and permanence.
- Natural Pigments: A wide variety of natural pigments exist, offering unique properties and colors. These can include earth pigments like ochre or umber, and other materials like azurite. Sources such as Natural Pigments offer a diverse selection.
- Synthetic Pigments: Many modern pigments are synthetically created, providing a wide range of colors and properties not readily available naturally. These are often more consistent and less expensive than their natural counterparts.
The amount of pigment in a paint is crucial for its quality. "Pigment loading" refers to the proportion of pigment to the oil binder; higher pigment loading generally indicates a richer, more vibrant color, as seen in artists' grade paints. Jackson's Art provides insights into creating oil paint with various pigment loading ratios.
Pigment Properties and Considerations
Pigments affect the paint's:
- Color: The pigment dictates the color of the oil paint.
- Drying Time: Different pigments have varying drying times. For example, Cadmiums are known to dry quickly, while Ultramarines tend to dry more slowly, as noted in Cynthia Howard's blog.
- Toxicity: While the oil itself is often a concern, the pigments themselves can also vary in toxicity. Most modern oil paints are non-toxic unless ingested. Sophie Ploeg's blog discusses toxicity concerns.
- Permanence: Certain pigments are more lightfast (resistant to fading) than others.
Pigments are often described as 'tiny magnets' due to their tendency to clump together, making proper mixing crucial for a smooth paint consistency. (Kremer Pigments)
It's possible to make your own oil paints by mixing powdered pigments with linseed oil. A Reddit thread showcases this process. However, buying pre-made oil paints from reputable brands is generally recommended for consistency and quality control.
