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Showing posts from February, 2015

Classic Blue

      Reliable and thoughtful, Classic Blue inspires calm, confidence and harmony. Serving as an anchor to the Spring/Summer 2015 palette, Classic Blue is a shade that is strong and reliable. Just as with the sea, because of its waterborne qualities, this Classic Blue is perceived as thoughtful and introspective. Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute ®          Classic blue is called Ultramarine Blue in the world of paint. JH Bustonoby, in his classic 1939 book Color Mixing, says "The artificial process of making Ultramarine Blue was  discovered by J.B. Guimet in France in 1826. In early times the genuine was obtained from the gem stone, lapis lazuli of Asiatic origin at an exorbitant price. The artificial and genuine Ultramarine are chemically the same." Can you imagine obtaining some lapis lazuli, grinding into a powder, mixing it with an oil, and painting with it? Back in the day, a painter had to also be a chemist! So here is my contribut

Aquamarine

"Aquamarine is an airy blue with a dreamy feel.   It is cool and calming, ethereal. Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel.  Open and expansive, this restful blue also acts as a stress reducer."                                                             Lee Eismann of Pantone It is also the birthstone for March.        The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.  This  gemstone   was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage.  The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes.  In a wonderful old book by JH Bustanoby from 1939, called Color Manual,  there is a "recipe" for aquamarine oil paint. It is as follows: 16 parts zinc white 2 parts Cobalt Blue 1 part Yellow Ochre Know what this tells me? It tells m