Currently, my palette contains many of the same pigments listed in my Pure Pigment Palette as described in my book, "Making Color Sing", and in my "DVD Workshop Set" This is an excellent basic palette for mixing any color desired for clean results without obtaining mud. In addition, I have added some of my favorite Daniel Smith colors (introduced after my book publication) to use when I desire a more intense effect.

    Enjoy using them all!

The following are answers to the most asked pigment questions:

W&N Permanent Rose, though bluer, is the nearest substitute for W&N Rose Madder Genuine. Winsor & Newton, with 160 years of pigment testing, has found that R.M.G. used in paintings properly framed with UV protection and placed under normal conditions (not near a window or in direct sunlight) has remained durable, and classifies it as a unique pigment. When a delicate, glowing effect that cannot be obtained via any other pigment is desired, R.M.G. will achieve that effect. W&N Permanent Rose, however, is more saturated and intense and has a higher permanency rating.

Winsor & Newton makes a Permanent Alizarin Crimson. When I served on the Winsor & Newton Artist Advisory Board, I recommended that they develop a Permanent Alizarin Crimson that I knew colorists would welcome for powerful darks. And they did!

Because greens tend to appear colder when dry, I prefer Winsor Green Yellow Shade or Phthalo Green Yellow Shade to enliven my greens. Pushing pigments towards a yellow, red, or blue shade for "octanic" mixtures is described in my book, "Making Color Sing."

Pure pigment is the most expensive ingredient in a tube of paint. Therefore, I am suspicious of inexpensive paints that may contain fillers.

Also be aware that the same pigment name in another manufacturer's line may vary in color, quality, saturation, or mixing behavior. Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith have excellent reputations.

The Pigment Chart below shows how the Daniel Smith pigments (more intense), correspond to the Winsor & Newton pigments (very transparent), so that artists can interchange them as they desire.