[James]

Thank you for confirming this suspicion!

[James]

I specifically asked George and Tatiana about the popular oil-primed linen made by ArtFix in France. Anton’s company, Artefex, uses zinc-free oil priming, but I had (and still have) questions about this other product.

[James]

I was painting a copy years ago at the Art Institute of Chicago of the Holy Family. I used the vermilion(s) mainly for the red skirt in the center of the painting. It has that distinctive slight “orange” cast, which is particularly nice when glazing over with a darker, cooler madder for modeling, as Rubens did. I may have used vermilion in the flesh tones in top layers of the Madonna and children. Currently, I don’t use vermilion that much — I often start with the great red earths that George sells. I may use a touch of vermilion in upper layers for cheeks, lips, fingers and toes. One color I’ve become accustomed to using in my flesh tones is Naples Yellow, deep. I hope that color remains available for artists too!

[James]

Thanks, Jan! I bought these a while ago when I got a good deal on a sale. Yes, I also have your pigments and appreciate knowing your mixes. Unfortunately, my photo doesn’t really capture the true color of the Vermilion, which has a hint of yellow in it. I bought these when I was doing a Rubens copy and found them the best way to get to the reds he used. It is a unique pigment and wish it were more available at a decent price.