Tag: transparent staining watercolor

Alizarin Crimson is a classic, cool red valued for its depth, transparency, and expressive range. Long favored by watercolorists for its dramatic shadows and rich mixtures, it occupies a central role in traditional and color-theory–based palettes alike.

Understanding Alizarin Crimson on the Palette

Alizarin Crimson sits on the cool side of red, leaning toward violet rather than orange. This placement makes it especially effective for shadow work, florals, and atmospheric passages where warmth must be tempered with depth.

As a transparent, staining color, Alizarin Crimson excels in layered washes and glazing. It produces luminous darks when built gradually and maintains clarity even in complex mixtures.

Pigment Information: What Alizarin Crimson Is Made Of

Traditional Alizarin Crimson was based on PR83, a pigment known historically for its beauty but also for its poor lightfastness. Many “modern” Alizarin Crimson formulations now use more lightfast synthetic alternatives such as Permanent Alizarin Crimson while preserving the characteristic hue.

Typical characteristics include:

• Transparent
• High staining strength
• Moderate to high tinting power
• Smooth, non-granulating washes
• Variable lightfastness depending on formulation

Artists should always check pigment codes and lightfastness ratings for their specific brand.

Handling & Mixing Characteristics

Alizarin Crimson is known for:

• Smooth, flowing washes
• Strong staining behavior
• Excellent glazing performance

Because of its staining nature:

• It is difficult to lift once dry
• It benefits from controlled dilution
• Small amounts can significantly shift a mixture

It pairs especially well with blues and greens to create deep neutrals and expressive shadow colors.

Why Alizarin Crimson Works Well in Color Theory Systems

As a primary red, Alizarin Crimson:

• Establishes strong complementary contrast
• Produces a wide range of cool neutrals
• Anchors triadic palettes with clarity and balance

Its transparency makes color relationships visible and instructive, which is why it is frequently used in teaching color theory.

Color Schemes Using Alizarin Crimson

I use Alizarin Crimson as the PRIMARY RED on the color wheel because it is a pure transparent staining watercolor that is perfect for its complementary color listed below.

The following color schemes are based on Stephen Quiller’s “Quiller Color Wheel” and his book “Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory.“

Complementary

The complementary color sits on the opposite side of the color wheel. For Alizarin Crimson, the complementary color is:

• Viridian

This pairing creates deep, dramatic neutrals and strong visual contrast ideal for shadows and compositional structure.

Split-Complementary

The split-complementary colors are the two colors located on either side of the complementary color on the color wheel. The following are the split-complementary colors for Alizarin Crimson:

• Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)
• Manganese Blue Hue

This scheme offers balance and harmony while retaining chromatic interest.

Analogous

Going clockwise on the color wheel from RED to ORANGE, the analogous colors for Alizarin Crimson are:

• Cadmium Red Deep
• Cadmium Scarlet

These combinations are especially effective for florals, skin tones, and warm expressive passages.

Triadic

The three PRIMARY colors on the color wheel are YELLOW, BLUE, and RED. In addition to Alizarin Crimson, the other colors that make up this Triadic color scheme are:

• Aureolin
• Winsor Blue (Green Shade)

This classic triad forms a foundational palette capable of producing a full range of hues and neutrals.

Alizarin Crimson Compared to Other Reds

• Alizarin Crimson: cool, transparent, staining
• Cadmium Red Deep: warm, opaque, powerful
• Permanent Rose: lighter, cleaner, more modern

Alizarin Crimson excels where depth and subtlety are required rather than bold opacity.

Best Uses for Alizarin Crimson

Alizarin Crimson is particularly effective for:

• Shadow passages
• Florals and botanicals
• Glazing and layered washes
• Cool red mixtures
• Traditional and classical watercolor palettes

Limitations of Alizarin Crimson

While expressive, Alizarin Crimson:

• May have lightfastness concerns depending on pigment
• Can overpower mixtures if overused
• Is difficult to lift due to staining

Understanding these limitations helps artists use it intentionally and responsibly.

A Note on Alizarin Crimson’s Role on the Palette

Alizarin Crimson brings emotional depth and atmospheric richness to the palette. When used with awareness of its staining strength and pigment properties, it remains one of the most expressive and instructive reds available to watercolor artists.

Winsor Violet is a powerful, high-chroma violet known for its intensity, staining strength, and clarity. It brings dramatic saturation and bold color relationships to structured watercolor palettes.

Understanding Winsor Violet on the Palette

Winsor Violet occupies the RED-VIOLET position on the color wheel and is valued for its exceptional chromatic strength and clarity. Its red bias places it closer to warm passages than blue-violet hues, making it especially effective for expressive transitions, floral passages, and strong color contrast.

This pigment represents the most intense end of the violet spectrum. Rather than offering subtle atmospheric effects, Winsor Violet delivers immediacy and saturation, making it best suited for confident, intentional color use within structured palettes.

Pigment Information: What Winsor Violet Is Made Of

Winsor Violet is typically formulated from Dioxazine Violet (PV23), a modern synthetic organic pigment prized for its strength and permanence.

Typical characteristics include:

• Transparent
• Extremely high chroma
• Strong staining behavior
• Very high tinting strength
• Excellent lightfastness

Because of its strength, even small amounts of Winsor Violet can dominate a mixture.

Handling & Mixing Characteristics

Winsor Violet is known for:

• Intense, saturated washes
• Smooth, even application
• Strong presence in mixtures

Because it is highly staining:

• It is difficult to lift once dry
• It rewards deliberate, controlled application
• It is best introduced gradually in mixes

Its non-granulating nature makes it ideal for smooth passages and glazing when used sparingly.

Why Winsor Violet Works Well in Color Theory Systems

As an intermediate red-violet, Winsor Violet:

• Creates bold complementary relationships
• Produces dramatic neutrals with greens
• Maintains saturation across split-complementary and triadic schemes

Its intensity makes color relationships immediately visible, which is valuable for both learning and expressive work.

Color Schemes Using Winsor Violet

I use Winsor Violet as the INTERMEDIATE RED-VIOLET on the color wheel because it is a pure transparent staining watercolor that is perfect for its complementary color listed below.

The following color schemes are based on Stephen Quiller’s “Quiller Color Wheel” and his book “Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory.“

Complementary

The complementary color sits on the opposite side of the color wheel. For Winsor Violet, the complementary color is:

• Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)

This pairing produces powerful contrast and deep, expressive neutrals when mixed.

Split-Complementary

The split-complementary colors are the two colors located on either side of the complementary color on the color wheel. The following are the split-complementary colors for Winsor Violet:

• Aureolin
• Viridian

This scheme maintains vibrancy while offering more control than a direct complementary pairing.

Analogous

Going clockwise on the color wheel from RED-VIOLET to RED-ORANGE, the analogous colors for Winsor Violet are:

• Alizarin Crimson
• Cadmium Red Deep

These combinations are especially effective for florals, dramatic accents, and warm expressive passages.

Triadic

This Triadic consists of three INTERMEDIATE colors. In addition to Winsor Violet, the other colors that make up this Triadic color scheme are:

• Manganese Blue Hue
• Cadmium Orange

This triad offers strong visual energy while maintaining balance across temperature shifts.

Winsor Violet Compared to Other Violets

• Winsor Violet: high-chroma, intense, staining
• Permanent Mauve: balanced, clean, controlled
• Ultramarine Violet: granulating, atmospheric, subdued

Winsor Violet sits at the most saturated end of the violet range.

Best Uses for Winsor Violet

Winsor Violet is particularly effective for:

• Florals and botanical accents
• Expressive color statements
• High-chroma passages
• Strong complementary contrasts
• Contemporary watercolor styles

Limitations of Winsor Violet

While powerful, Winsor Violet:

• Can overwhelm mixtures easily
• Is unforgiving due to staining
• Benefits from dilution and restraint

Pairing it with softer or granulating pigments helps balance its intensity.

A Note on Winsor Violet’s Role on the Palette

Winsor Violet brings energy, saturation, and boldness to the palette. Used intentionally, it anchors strong color relationships and provides dramatic contrast within structured color theory systems, making it an essential tool for confident watercolorists.

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) is a powerful, high-chroma blue that plays a foundational role in modern watercolor palettes. Known for its intense staining strength and clarity, it is a color that rewards confident application and disciplined mixing—especially within structured color theory systems.

Understanding Winsor Blue (Green Shade) on the Palette

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) is the PRIMARY BLUE on the color wheel that is perfectly positioned for its complementary relationships.

As a cool blue with a green bias, Winsor Blue (Green Shade) produces exceptionally clean mixtures and establishes strong color relationships across the wheel. Its purity makes it especially effective in systems based on clear hue placement, such as Stephen Quiller’s color wheel.

Unlike more granulating or neutral blues, Winsor Blue (Green Shade) offers clarity and intensity, making it ideal for color theory studies, glazing, and high-chroma mixtures.

Pigment Information: What Winsor Blue (Green Shade) Is Made Of

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) is typically made from Phthalo Blue Green Shade (PB15:3).

Key characteristics of PB15:3:

• Extremely high chroma
• High transparency
• Strong staining behavior
• Very high tinting strength
• Non-granulating

As a synthetic organic pigment, Winsor Blue (Green Shade) is highly consistent across brands and maintains stability in washes and mixtures.

Staining Behavior & Handling Characteristics

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) is known for its:

• Strong staining properties
• Rapid dominance in mixtures
• Smooth, even washes without granulation

Because it stains deeply into the paper fibers:

• It is difficult to lift once dry
• It requires careful dilution
• Small amounts go a very long way

This makes Winsor Blue (Green Shade) best suited for deliberate, intentional watercolor techniques rather than hesitant or heavily reworked passages.

Why Winsor Blue (Green Shade) Excels in Color Theory Systems

As a primary blue, Winsor Blue (Green Shade):

• Establishes clear complementary relationships
• Produces strong neutrals with warm reds and oranges
• Maintains chroma clarity in structured schemes

Its strength and transparency allow artists to build secondaries and neutrals through mixing rather than relying on premixed colors.

Color Schemes Using Winsor Blue (Green Shade)

I use Winsor Blue (Green Shade) as the PRIMARY BLUE on the color wheel because it is a pure transparent staining color that is perfect for its complementary color listed below.

The following color schemes are based on Stephen Quiller’s “Quiller Color Wheel” and his book “Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory.“

Complementary

The complementary color sits on the opposite side of the color wheel. For Winsor Blue (Green Shade), the complementary color is:

• Cadmium Scarlet

This pairing creates strong visual contrast and a wide range of expressive neutrals when moderated.

Split-Complementary

The split-complementary colors are the two colors located on either side of the complementary color on the color wheel. The following are the split-complementary colors for Winsor Blue (Green Shade):

• Cadmium Red Deep
• Cadmium Orange

This scheme softens contrast while retaining vibrancy and balance.

Analogous

Going clockwise on the color wheel from BLUE to VIOLET, the analogous colors for Winsor Blue (Green Shade) are:

• Ultramarine Violet
• Permanent Mauve

These combinations are especially effective for skies, shadows, and atmospheric transitions.

Triadic

The three PRIMARY colors on the color wheel are YELLOW, BLUE, and RED. In addition to Winsor Blue (Green Shade), the other colors that make up this Triadic color scheme are:

• Aureolin
• Alizarin Crimson

This triad forms a classic, high-chroma foundation for balanced, expressive color mixing.

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) vs. Other Blues

Compared to more granulating or neutral blues:

• Winsor Blue (Green Shade): intense, staining, mix-driven
• Cobalt Blue: softer, granulating, easier to lift
• French Ultramarine Blue: warmer, granulating, more textured

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) offers maximum clarity and saturation but requires restraint and understanding.

Best Uses for Winsor Blue (Green Shade)

Ideal applications include:

• Clean skies and water passages
• Layered washes and glazing
• High-chroma color mixing
• Contemporary and expressive palettes
• Color theory and palette-structure studies

Limitations of Winsor Blue (Green Shade)

Despite its strengths, this pigment:

• Can easily overpower mixtures
• Is difficult to lift or correct
• May feel intense if used straight from the tube

It performs best when diluted, moderated, or paired thoughtfully with other pigments.

A Note on Winsor Blue (Green Shade)’s Role on the Palette

Winsor Blue (Green Shade) is a precision tool. Its clarity, strength, and staining power make it indispensable for artists who understand color relationships and intentional mixing. Used with discipline, it enables luminous color harmony and structurally sound palettes that support advanced watercolor work.

Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) is a powerful, high-chroma green that occupies an important role in modern watercolor palettes. Known for its intensity and staining strength, it is a color that rewards intentional use and disciplined mixing—especially within structured color theory systems.

Understanding Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) on the Palette

In the past, I used Permanent Green Light (or Permanent Green #1) as the INTERMEDIATE YELLOW-GREEN on the color wheel. But, now I use Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) as the pure transparent staining watercolor that is perfect for its complementary colors listed below.

This shift reflects an important distinction. Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) is not a convenience mixture—it is a pure, transparent, staining green that allows for precise control over temperature, value, and chroma. As an intermediate yellow-green, it creates clear relationships with its complements and triads, making it well-suited for color wheel studies and advanced palette organization.

Pigment Information: What Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) Is Made Of

Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) is typically made from Phthalo Green Yellow Shade (PG36).

Key characteristics of PG36:

• Extremely high chroma
• High transparency
• Strong staining behavior
• Very high tinting strength
• Non-granulating

Because it is a synthetic organic pigment, Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) is exceptionally consistent across brands and remains stable in mixtures and washes.

Staining Behavior & Handling Characteristics

Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) is known for its:

• Strong staining properties
• Rapid color dominance in mixtures
• Clean, smooth washes without granulation

Because it stains deeply into the paper fibers:

• It is difficult to lift once dry
• It requires careful dilution
• Small amounts go a very long way

This makes it ideal for confident, deliberate watercolor application.

Why Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) Excels in Color Theory Systems

As an intermediate yellow-green, Winsor Green (Yellow Shade):

• Establishes clear complementary relationships
• Produces powerful neutrals with reds and violets
• Maintains chroma clarity in structured schemes

Its purity allows artists to build natural greens through mixing rather than relying on premixed convenience colors.

Color Schemes Using Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)

The following color schemes are based on Stephen Quiller’s “Quiller Color Wheel” and his book “Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory.“

Complementary

The complementary color sits on the opposite side of the color wheel. For Winsor Green (Yellow Shade), the complementary color is:

• Winsor Violet

This pairing produces strong visual contrast and a wide range of expressive neutrals.

Split-Complementary

The split-complementary colors are the two colors located on either side of the complementary color on the color wheel. The following are the split-complementary colors for Winsor Green (Yellow Shade):

• Ultramarine Violet
• Alizarin Crimson

This scheme softens contrast while preserving intensity and balance.

Analogous

Going clockwise on the color wheel from YELLOW-GREEN to BLUE-GREEN, the analogous colors for Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) are:

• Viridian
• Manganese Blue Hue

These combinations are especially effective for foliage, water transitions, and atmospheric depth.

Triadic

This Triadic consists of three INTERMEDIATE colors. In addition to Winsor Green (Yellow Shade), the other colors that make up this Triadic color scheme are:

• Ultramarine Violet
• Cadmium Red Deep

This triad offers dynamic color interaction while remaining structurally balanced.

Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) vs. Convenience Greens

Compared to premixed greens:

• Winsor Green (Yellow Shade): pure, intense, mix-driven
• Permanent Green Light: moderated, mixed, faster but less flexible

Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) gives the artist full control—but demands restraint and understanding.

Best Uses for Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)

Ideal Applications

• Mixing custom foliage greens
• High-chroma accents
• Modern and expressive palettes
• Strong color theory studies
• Situations requiring staining permanence

Limitations of Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)

Despite its strengths, this pigment:

• Can easily overpower mixtures
• Is difficult to lift or correct
• May appear artificial if used straight from the tube

It performs best when modified rather than used alone.

A Note on Winsor Green (Yellow Shade)’s Role on the Palette

Winsor Green (Yellow Shade) is a precision tool. Its clarity, strength, and staining power make it invaluable for artists who understand color relationships and intentional mixing. When used with discipline, it enables luminous, structurally sound greens and dynamic color harmony—qualities that elevate watercolor work beyond convenience and into mastery.