Blues

Here again we have two price categories of similar colours, but in this case we have used the term “hue” for the cobalt hues because they are accurate matches, as is also the Cobalt Green Hue.

While the “real” cadmiums are brilliant and opaque, the real cobalt’s are translucent , which does give them an advantage over the hues which shows up when they are used over hues as a top layer where the translucency is visible.

Note:Cerulean Blue is a version of cobalt and the one we are using is especially attractive.

Setting aside the cobalts there are other important blues: ultramarine is the basic warm blue for general mixing. Pthalo Blue is the basic cool blue, and Pthalo Blue Red Shade is similar, but because it is not as sharp and strident, especially if used for light blues in skies etc... it is preferred by some people. Standard Pthalo Blue mixes slightly sharper green. Prussian Blue, the first organic pigment invented in the 19th Century and loved by Van Gogh is softer and more moody than the Pthalos, and in mass tone it looks more blue.

The Blue Colour Palette

• Opaque
• Semi-Transparent
• Transparent
• Very Strong Coverage

Cerulean Blue	Cobalt Blue	Cerulean Blue Hue
Cobalt Blue Hue	French Ultramarine Blue	Pthalo Blue
Prussian Blue Hue	Pthalo Blue (Red Shade)	Pacific Blue