At the beginning of the year I asked myself, why is it that I hardly ever use Ultramarine blue? So I set myself the task of finding out more about it and what colour mixes I can create and which brands of acrylics I enjoyed using the most.
According to Wikipedia ‘Ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue used by Renaissance painters. It was often used for the robes of the Virgin Mary, and symbolized holiness and humility’.


Next add a 50:50 ratio of White Titanium into the 1st mix to create a tint – (Tints are created when you add white to any hue on the color wheel. This will lighten it making it less intense).
Finally, I add a touch of the System 3 Payne’s Grey to the first mix to darken it and enjoyed using the colours to create a semi-abstract seascape in my sketchbook.
In conclusion the brand of colour I really enjoyed using the most were the:
Abstract 314 by Sennelier
Winsor & Newton Professional
Liquitex Professional Heavy Body (Red shade)
This was due to their mixing abilities and pigments. The student brands blended well and are well worth considering as a beginner and first starting out with acrylic paints.
More monthly inspirations to follow…