More Oil Colors

I bought four new oil paints. Two from M. Graham and two from Williamsburg. I’m getting familiar with M. Graham paints. I’ve been using their watercolors for years. However, I am curious about the quality of Williamsburg paints.

Prussian Blue

First, is Prussian Blue form M. Graham. I was looking for a blue that was darker than ultramarine blue. This color is excellent in lightfastness, so it won’t fade. This is a very important quality in my paints. Prussian blue from M. Graham is transparent as well, so it is good for glazing.

Indian Yellow

I selected indian yellow from M. Graham because I think it is rather orange even though it is considered yellow-orange. I think it would be great in sunsets or floral paintings. It is also lightfast and transparent.

Titanium White

I bought a large tube of Williamsburg titanium white. I bought it because it has a linseed oil binder. This white dries faster than M. Graham’s titanium white with walnut oil or sunflower oil. Linseed also creates a stronger paint film than walnut oil.

Graphite Gray

I thought Williamsburg Graphite Gray was an interesting color. I use burnt umber to desaturate a color, but it can shift the color to a warmer tone. Graphite gray would keep it more neutral. Also, it is good for cloudy day landscapes or rocks. I can use it to tone my canvas for an underpainting while keeping it more neutral.

Flake White

I didn’t buy a tube of Williamsburg flake white, though I was tempted. I was worried about the lead carbonate in the paint being toxic. I do have vinyl gloves I can wear, but the paint was rather expensive, too.

I was interested in flake white because it is more transparent than titanium white. I’ve seen people on YouTube use it. Flake white lightens color without making it pastel.

Perhaps I will try flake white in the future.