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How to choose the perfect white oil colour

Explore the timeless role of white in art and discover its nuances with Winsor & Newton's oil paints. From traditional to modern whites, delve into their uses, qualities, and the...

What are the primary colours in the Winsor & Newton Oil Colour range?

Discover the essential primary colours for mixing in Winsor & Newton's oil colour ranges. Our guide covers the three and six colour systems of each range plus explores a perfect...

Why should an oil painting be varnished?

Varnish is desirable for two key reasons: one, to bring the surface to a uniform gloss level (matt or gloss or somewhere in between), and two, for protection from dust...

What are the three oil painting rules?

If you want to make the most of your painting, there are three tried and tested rules that will serve you well: Fat over lean, think over thin and slow...

What is the "fat over lean" painting rule?

Fat over lean is better understood if considered as ‘flexible over less flexible’. When painting in layers, the proportion of medium used in each layer should be increased.

Oiling out: how to fix sinking and dull areas in oil paintings

Explore oiling out as a technique to revive dull areas in oil paintings affected by sinking. Discover expert tips on using oil mediums to restore vibrancy and maintain painting integrity.

Why has hand grinding pigments become less common in the manufacturing of colours?

Up until the late 18th century, hand grinding was the principal method of making artists’ colours. Skilled workers would use a shear/slide method with a stone muller and flat slab...

Why does Winsor & Newton refer to colour bias rather than Munsell ratings?

From time to time we are asked for an exact numbering system or chart regarding each of our colour's positions on a colour wheel, such as the Munsell system.

What are the origins and meanings of Quinacridone and Phthalo?

Quinacridones are a very important group of pigments which originated in the 1950's.  The first quinacridones were introduced by Winsor & Newton as Permanent Rose and Permanent Magenta.  With their...

What is the difference between hot press and cold press paper? 

The smoothest surface is hot press, which is best for scientific, detailed and hyper-realistic work, whereas cold press has a more textured surface and is great for effects like granulation and texture.

What is the best watercolour paper for granulation?

Rough-surfaced papers give much stronger granulated effects as the roughness will exaggerate the granulation. The pigment clings on to the texture of a granulation-friendly surface, like our Cotman Watercolour Paper Pads.