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Resources Links on the web for more information
The web resources on this page are listed in categories to make it easier for artist's and conservator's to find suppliers and information. The country of origin is given, and as some companies have a major distribution center in another country that is noted. In a global world it is possible to get virtually anything from anywhere and most artist and conservation supply houses are familiar with dispatching supplies internationally.

If you have a suggestion for a link that would be useful to include here or are a company supplying any materials suitable for making artist's paints then please send the link and other relevant information to:
                                 
                                  suggestion box on the contact page.

Any supplier listed who would like to add or change information under your link also use the contact page suggestion box. The categories are:


Acrylic Mediums
All of these manufacturers make high quality Acrylic products. Use with confidence when making Acrylic paints.


  • Atelier
    Australia. A good range of mediums. The standout product is the Satin Medium which gives a beautiful egg shell semi gloss sheen.
  • Golden
    USA. Probably the largest range of Acrylic mediums on the market for making paint. thick mediums of different rheology (flow) that gives the artist who does not want to get into complex formulation more choices for Acrylic paintmaking. Quality and innovation are characteristic of this company.
  • Kremer
    Germany/USA. With a New York store. Supplies a wide range of Acrylic dispersions, defoamers wetting agents etc.
  • Liquitex
    USA. The original artist's acrylic that popularized the medium around the world. A very good range of mediums that enable the making of good heavy bodied Acrylic paints.
  • Matisse
    Australia. An Acrylic mediums specialist with a huge range of mediums that give increased flexibility to paint making. The tech support from the company is excellent, and they are happy to help the experimenter with new ideas. Their commitment to new ideas is second to none.
  • Winsor and Newton
    UK. A good range of mediums that will make good Acrylic paints.


Artists
These artist's make all or some of their art from studio made paints. Their favored medium is noted but most artist's who make paint will often make more than one media. If you can recommend an artist who mkes their own paints and they have a web site then suggest it to me at the suggestion box on the contact page.


  • TonyJohansen.com
    Acrylics. My main site, I hope you come visit and enjoy the artwork. Site includes galleries of paintings and sculpture as well as digital and photographic work. Contact information, more links and how to commission artwork are also here.

  • Annigoni, Pietro
    Oil Tempera. Annigoni was a genius out of time, who could paint like the old masters but with a modern touch, he reconstituted Fresco, and painted the portrait of many of the most famous people of the 20th century. His work was featured on the cover of Time magazine 7 times, and his paintings were bought by the major museums of the world. No other traditional artist in the 20th century acheived so much and although the contemporary art world is uncomfortable with his work, it seems likely his work will endure.
  • Bartman, Lisa
    Pulp Painting. Australian Aboriginal artist who colors paper pulp directly during the process of hand making paper so that the finished piece of paper already has the design in it.
  • Bergt, Michael
    Egg Tempera. Michael Bergt was a co-founder of the modern Society of Tempera Painters and is the current president of the organisation. His work is centered on the nude and his most recent work is a harmonious interaction between the figure and motifs from Japanese graphic art. The work is modern yet executed in the traditional manner on wood panels.
  • Binge, Lola
    Pulp Painting. Australian Aboriginal artist whose artwork is produced as a part of the paper making process. Rather than painting onto a surface such as paper, she creatively colors the paper pulp directly so that the hand made piece of paper is the artwork itself without the need for further addition of conventional paint.
  • Cadmus, Paul
    Egg Tempera. Regarded by many as the greatest of the modern Egg Tempera artists, Cadmus was a Magic Realist artist who painted provocative nudes, as well as social satires that have been described as 'pretty boys and ugly ploys'. He gained notoriety in the 1930's when his 'The Fleet's In' was banned from an exhibition.
  • Crivelli, Carlo
    Egg Tempera & Oil Paint Crivelli was one of the early experimenters with Oil Paint. He came from the Egg Tempera tradition but used Oils over the top of Egg Tempera as in the case of this beautiful work. It is worth it to use the 'zoom' function with this image. It will download a special zoom page that enables a close examination of the colors and technique in the work.
  • Hansell, Greg, gallery page
    Pastels. Greg Hansell makes pictures from the pigments he finds in the natural earth where he paints. He digs them up, takes them home and makes his own pigments which he then makes into beautiful pastels.
  • Hundertwasser, Friedensreich
    Egg Tempera. Hundertwasser was a mixed media artist in which Egg Tempera could have metallic dust, cloth, metal sheet, paper fragments, ground pottery or glass, and natural Earth with Oil glazes and watercolor washes. Better known for his eccentric architecture, his paint experiments are where he developed his ideas.
  • Johns, Jasper
    Encaustic. American artist who rose to prominence in the period following Abstract Expressionism. His use of the ancient encaustic medium and the way he used it in conjunction with other media was seen as revolutionary and gave his paintings a distinctive appearance that suited his minimal style of work. There are many sites on Jasper Johns, this one has a good set of linkls to his artwork near the top so I like it.
  • Leonardo
    Oil Paint & Egg Tempera. Although the earliest known painting by Leonardo da Vinci is an Egg Tempera work, he is cheifly known for his numerous experiments with the formulation of Oil Paint. His preferred oil was Walnut Oil. He attempted to use his Oil Paint in inappropriate situations that would often prove disastrous. One painting failed to dry, and the paint started to run on the wall. Another, The Last Supper, started to disintegrate almost as soon as it was finished. Because it is a mural on a wall, many historians have erroniously called it a Fresco painting. In fact it is the largest of the Oil Painting experiments that Leonardo the paint maker extraordinaire was to attempt.
  • Miranda, Patricia
    Gouache. American artist who mixes pigments, gold leaf and other traditional materials in a very modern way. Making paint is central to her creative approach. Her work is simply beautiful.
  • Thompson, Mark, gallery page
    Egg Tempera. Colorado artist Mark Thompson has been using Egg Tempera as his primary medium since 1972. His work is hyper realist, full of luminous color, and with a beautiful sense of repose.
  • Wyeth, Andrew
    Egg Tempera. Wyeth is one of the most recognisable of American Modern Masters. His bleak view of the frailty of life is expressed using the simple farm people and buildings of New England. The colors he uses are limited to mostly earthy tones that capture perfectly the earthiness of his vision.


Books and Informational Web Sites
Some book and web based sources of valuable information.


  • Art Of Encaustic Painting
    By Joanne Mattera. Lavishly illustrated this definitive book on the subject looks at all aspects of this ancient art including contemporary techniques, making colors, preparing the work area, obtaining supplies, preparing surfaces, conversations with modern encaustic artists, advice from museum curators and gallery owners on how to protect and present the work. Excellent. Paperback book from Natural Pigments.
  • Art Of Fresco Painting
    By Mrs Mary P Merrifield. First published in 1846 this book reignited public interest in Fresco. Includes translations of Renaissance treatises from Alberti, Cennini, Vasari, Borghini, Pozzo, and Pacheco. The author also interprets passages from rare manuscripts on the causes of fresco destruction and how to retouch, repair, and clean the works of fresco art. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • Artist's Handbook
    By Pip Seymour. Within a few hours of going live with this page Mark Gottsegen e-mailed me to inform me that the book list needed updating. Besides not stating that his book was newly revised I had not included this book by Pip Seymour. he said it is equally as good as his book. With a recommendation like that from Gottsegen this has to be a must buy for the artist.
  • Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques
    By Ralph Mayer. Considered the 'artist's Bible' since first published in 1940 The fifth edition is revised for modern pigments as of 1991. A must have book for every studio. Hardback book (1991 5th edition) for sale on Amazon
  • Cennini - The Craftsmans Handbook
    The complete Dover edition is published on the web at this link. First published in 1437 this is the definitive account of Renaissance painting craft and pigments.
  • Collecting And Using Mineral Pigments
    CD-ROM on how to collect minerals, grind them into pigments, and then use them in Tempera and Watercolor. Pity it is PC only, this is a great way to access information. CD-ROM from Natural Pigments.
  • Conservation Of Paintings - Research and Innovation
    By Gustav A Berger with William H Russel. Groundbreaking developments in the conservation of canvas paintings with numerous case studies from Old Master works to contemporary. In depth discussions of both problems and treatments. Berger developed the adhesive BEVA used in conservation and hisresearch into the cracking of paintings has been groundbreaking. This book offers fresh insights. Hardback from Kremer
  • Formulas For Painters
    By Robert Massey. 200 formulas for making paints, glazes, varnishes, grounds, fixatives, sizes, adhesives for acrylic, tempera, oils, gouache, pastel, encaustic, and fresco. Paperback book for sale on Amazon
  • Gilded Room
    By Kerry Skinner. A comprehensive introduction to the use of architectural and furniture use of metallic surfaces ranging from water gilding, size gilding, to decoupage. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • Handprint
    Although intended as a resource for Watercolors, this site is packed with detailed information for the artist making paint. Besides pigment information there are extensive descriptions of how to test paints in a scientific manner, and links to further resources. One of the best sites on the web.
  • Lost Secrets Of Flemish Painting
    By Donald Fels. Includes the first complete English translation of the De Mayerne Manuscript. Hardcover book from Sinopia.
  • Making Soft Pastels
    By Pip Seymour and Anja Niedring. With both English and German text the book describes making Pastels using a water soluable binder that results in 'aquarelle' style Pastels that can be worked as wash with a brush. A very interesting approach that bears investigating. Paperback book purchased directly from one of the authors.
  • Materials And Techniques Of Medieval Painting
    By Daniel V Thompson. Sums up 20th century knowledge of paints, binders, metals,and surface preparation, based on experience and scientific investigation. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • Materials And Techniques Of Painting
    By Kurt Wehlte. Pigments, binders, and supports. Oils, acrylics, encaustic, watercolor, gouache, pastels, fresco, mural painting, plastering, poured resin, gilding, and conservation techniques. Illustrations and historical references. 672 pages. Hardcover book from Sinopia.
  • Materials of the Artist
    The Materials of the Artist and their Use in Painting, with Notes on the Techniques of the Old Masters by Max Doerner 1943 Paperback book for sale on Amazon
  • Mysterious Fayum Portraits
    By Euphrosyne Doxiadis. An in depth study of encaustic funerary portraits from Roman Egypt from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. These hauntingly beautiful portraits are as fresh as the day they were painted and are the oldest easel paintings in existence. Paperback book from R & F Handmade Paints.
  • Natural Paint Book
    By Lynn Edwards and Julia Lawless.Complete guide to eco-friendly and traditional paints for architectural and decorative purposes. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • On Divers Arts
    By Theophilus. The earliest existing treatise on arts (12th century) written by a practicing artist. Pigments, glass blowing, stained glass, gold and silver work. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • Painters Handbook
    By Mark David Gottsegen. This book contains the practical details for paint making that Mayer lacks along with an easy to follow methodology that puts paint making within the reach of every artist. The Gottsegen book also has the big advantage that it was revised in 2005 and so is very up to date. Essential for the paint makers studio. Paperback book for sale on Amazon
  • Painters Handbook Forum
    An excellent art materials forum based on the format of the famous book by Mark David Gottsegen. Gottsegen himself answers artist's questions, there are informative articles and useful links. Recommended.
  • Painters Methods And Materials
    By A P Laurie. Foremost authority on techniques and materials: permanency, pigments, tempera, watercolor, oils, varnishes. Suitable for both historian and practicing artist's. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • Plant Colors
    Pip Seymour believes in the beauty and subtlety of colors derived from plant sources. This is a book of paint samples made from plant colors that reveals some of this beauty.
  • Practical Gilding
    By Peter and Anne Mactaggart. An indepth guide to every type of gilding (oil and water) with chapters on materials, surfacr preparation, oil gilding, gesso, water gilding, and special techniques. Paperback book from Sinopia.
  • Practice of Tempera Painting
    By Daniel V Thompson. Quite simply the best book to have on the subject if you want to use this beautiful medium. Published by Dover (where would we be without Dover?) this book covers everything that is necessary to know and then more from the Gesso to modern and ancient techniques. All clearly explained. paperback for sale at Natural Pigments.


Encaustic Supplies and Information
Fortunately Encaustic is experiencing a revival and there is quite a lot of equipment and information on the web.


  • Art of Wax
    UK. Carol Ellis is an encaustic artist of long experience. Her website is a great one stop shop for encaustic beginners in the UK. Carol offers workshops, sells supplies including colors and tools, and has galleries of her paintings and greeting cards.
  • Encaustic.com
    UK/USA. Sells a neat small iron and stylus suitable for smaller encaustic work, a very useful A2 hotplate, various tips for the stylus including drawing tips, round and triangular, suggestions for hot air guns. Practical advice for getting started. UK based and ships world wide, but US customers should use their American site: encaustic.com.us
  • Mona Lisa
    A single page of information that sums up history and technique in an easy to follow way.
  • FineArtStore.com
    USA. A superb site both giving detailed encaustic information and selling the professional grade Enkaustikos encaustic tools, a great range of stylus tips and brushes, hotplates, and waxes. Discounts for workshops buying in bulk. Web site for New York based Rochester Art Supply.
  • Encaustic Art
    Canada. History, techniques, supplies, courses, galleries from Hobbyring and Twin Lakes Encaustic Art. PDF versions of Encaustic Circle newsletters are available on the site.
  • Lizs Encaustics
    UK. Wiltshire based Liz offers demonstrations and workshops teaching the basics if using encaustic suited to the craft artist and hobbiest inerested in this ancient art form. She also offers encaustic supplies.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has the ability to access the rare pigments gums, oils, resins and other materials used in painting from prehistoric times up to the end of the 18th century. Waxes, Damar, and the best range of natural Earths and pigments similar to those that would have been used by the Ancient Greeks. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, forums, catalogs, books and more.
  • R & F Handmade Paints
    USA. Based in Kingston, NY, R & F are encaustic specialists, They produce a range of 89 beautiful wax colors ready made for heating and painting. They also supply a wide range of encaustic tools, raw materials, and books. They host an encaustic forum and are one of the best encaustic suppliers in the world.
  • Sennelier
    France. Their Paris store supplies a wide range of waxes, resins, and pigments as well as the R & F encaustic colors and encaustic tools. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their site but it is coming soon.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia is an Encaustic specialist with a wonderful range of damar and waxes, Encaustic tools, and one of the biggest range of pigments anywhere including a huge range of natural Ochres and red Earths.
  • Waxing Poetic
    By Gail Stavitsky PhD. An online history of how the current revival of Encaustic came about through the good work and writings of various people in the United States during the 20th century and how the use of electric heating aparatus transformed this ancient painting medium into the experimental work of some of the most famous contemporary artist's.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi is famous for their historic pigments for Conservation and fine artists. A wide range of waxes including Refined Beeswac, Candelilla, and Carnauba, and a wide range of natural Resins compliment the historic pigments.


Extenders, Fillers, Driers, etc
The basic inert pigments and related additives to paint. Some of the more common are available in virtually every art store but some are specialist supplies and this will help you find them.


  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They sell Precipitated Chalk and Whiting, Gypsum, Talc (French Chalk), Alumina Hydrate, Fumed Silica, Pumice, and Rottenstone. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Daniel Smith
    USA. Terra Alba, China Clay, Marble Dust, Precipitated Chalk, Glass Beads, Aluminum Sulfate.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Alumina Hydrate, Alumina Stearate, Barium Sulfate, Lithopone, Precipitated Chalk etc Aw ide range of useful extenders and additives.
  • Kremer Pigments
    Germany/USA, (with a New York store), Kremer is a specialist producer of atist's pigments. In addition to their huge range of pigments they produce a wide range of fillers and extenders to suit every purpose. Kremer has probably the largest range of additives available to the artist paint maker from an artist supply store.
  • Langridge
    Australia. Supplier of Whiting, Kaolin, Talc, Pumice, Calcite, Damar, Refined Beeswax, all reasonably priced. They also sell the full range of Schmincke pigments which includes several fillers and extenders including Blanc Fixe, Marble dust, Alumina White, and Lithopone. They also sell the Schmincke siccatives including Haarlem and Mussini both of which are modern Alkyd based driers for adding to Oil Paint.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has the ability to access the materials used in painting from prehistoric times up to the end of the 18th century. They have a range of inert pigments including Bentonite, Terra Alba, Chalk, and Marble Dust. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, catalogs, books and more.


Fresco Supplies
Slaked and aged pit lime is not easy to find without making it yourself, but here are suppliers that also sell some of the special Earth pigments favored by Fresco artists in the Renaissance.


  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They sell Aged Lime Putty, and suitable pigments. They also sell a special variety of Ultramarine Blue pigment which is Silicone treated to make it resist lime and other strong Alkali, a problem with traditional Ultramarine. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Kremer Pigments
    Germany/USA With a New York store. Supplies a choice of German pit lime slaked in 1998, or 3 year old slaked Roman lime. All pigments suitable for Fresco including rare Ochres, a wide range of Green Earths and Red Earths.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has the ability to access the rare pigments useful in Fresco. They sell Pit Lime Putty that has been aged at least a year. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, catalogs, books and more.
  • Sennelier
    France. Pigments and Pit Lime aged up to 2 years. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their site but it is coming soon.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. California based Sinopia is one of the best specialist suppliers for tradional arts forms anywhere. They sell 6 year old slaked pit lime which they claim to be the ideal age for pit lime. Their range of pigments suitable for fresco work is second to none.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi is famous for their historic pigments suitable for Fresco and Bianco San Giovanni - Pit Lime.


Hide Glue
Hide Glue is often made from Rabbitskins or calfskin. It is important to obtain fresh supplies as it loses strength with time. Be wary of how long a smaller art store has kept stocks on the shelf.


  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. Rabbitskin Glue, Parchment Clippings, Gelatin, Isinglass, and Carageen Moss. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Kama sells a Rabbitskin glue they claim smells less and will keep longer.
  • Kremer Pigments
    Germany/USA With a New York store. A wide range of hide glues, Rabbit skin glue, bone glue, double boilers and other ingredients. Kremer is one of the best suppliers in regard to paint making supplies.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has the ability to access the rare materials used in painting from prehistoric times up to the end of the 18th century. A choice of Rabbitskin Glues are offered on their site. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, catalogs, books and more.
  • R & F Handmade Paints
    USA. Based in Kingston, NY, R & F sell best quality Rabbitskin Glue.
  • Sennelier
    France. Rabbitskin Glue and Fish Glue, are available from their Paris store. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their web site but it is coming soon.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia has a superb range of Rabbitskin Glue, Gelatin, and Russian Sturgeon Glue.
  • South London Art Supplies
    UK. Quality Rabbitskin glue in London in the form of fine light colored grains from an extraordinary shop.
  • Williamsburg
    USA. Excellent quality Rabbitskin Glue.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi is famous for their historic pigments for Conservation and fine artists. Egg Tempera is their specialty. Rabbitskin Glue therefore is an important part of their business.


Historic Pigments
Many of the pigments both poisonous and impermanent are still made. Some artist's like the romance of using materials from past ages, and consevators need them to match paints on old artworks. Here is where to find them. Many of them are isolated colors in ranges of more modern pigments, and only Kremer and Natural Pigments have an easy to find large range of the historic colors and organic materials, but even they do not have them all.


  • Blockx
    Belgium. Flake White (Lead White), genuine Alizarin Crimson, and genuine Venetian Red from Venice. The Venetian Red is very special.
  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They are proud that their store looks like a 19th century apothecary, and they sell more than 2 dozen rare and obsolete pigments including a couple that are impossible to find anywhere else. They sell genuine Ivory Black, Antwerp Blue, Lapis Lazuli, Egyptian Blue Frit, Realgar, Orpiment, Lead-Tin Yellow, Gamboge, Naples Yellow, Malachite, Verdisgris, Smalt, Cadmium Green, Madder Root, Barium Yellow, Vermillion, Azurite, Dragon's Blood, Indigo, Bremen Green, Manganese Blue and much more Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Fragonard
    France. Genuine Chrome Green is on their list of colors although I am not certain why anyone would want to use it for anything other than consevation.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Kama is a specialist supplier of artist's pigments including historic pigments. Vermillion, Manganese Blue, Alizarin Crimson and PY 100 also called Tartrazine Lake, a very fugitive color that was once used as an Indian Yellow substitute. They also sell Logwood and Brazilwood in their wood stains section.
  • Kremer Pigments
    Germany/USA. With a New York store, Kremer is a specialist producer of artist's pigments. It is the only easy to find maker of the genuine Lapis Lazuli made by Kremer to the recipe of Cennini. They supply a wide range of obsolete pigments like Smalt, Azurite, rare French Ochres etc as well as logwood, Dragon's Blood, Bucktorn berries, and other rare organics. Kremer one of the best supply houses to be found anywhere.
  • Lapis Lazuli
    Chile. Website of the mining company extracting the Lapis Lazuli from 14,000 feet up in the Andes and then making the real natural Ultramarine pigment by a water extraction process and selling at an affordable price direct to the artist. South American Lapis is available in various micron size pigment particles.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has the ability to access the rare pigments gums, oils, resins and other materials used in painting from prehistoric times up to the end of the 18th century. They are quite unique in this regard selling every conceivable supply you could need with beautiful Earths that Cennini would have recognized and used. Azurite, Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Smalt, Realgar, Minium, and Orpiment are just a tiny portion of the historic pigments you will find here, as well as the paractical supplies such as mullers, Mortars and Pestles, empty tubes, wood panels and so on. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, catalogs, books and more.
  • Old Holland
    Netherlands. Has only two obsolete pigments that it sells, Cremnitz White (White Lead) and Manganese Blue. Since this pigment went out of production in the 1990's Old Holland is now the only supplier of this beautful transparent cerulean like blue.
  • Sennelier
    France. This list of pigment colors is like stepping back in time as is their entire art materials ethos. The standard range of pigments sold under the Sennelier brand are available worldwide but a visit to their website reveals a far more extensive range of pigments available directly from their Paris store. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their site but it is coming soon. If you can manage to find your way through the French you will discover some 2 dozen historic pigments in the section 'pigments rares CDQV'. Colors include Dragon's Blood, Lead-Tin Yellow, Vermillion, Verdisgris, Copper Resinate, Sepia, Smalt, Azurite, and Malachite. There are also some interesting plant based pigments. The White Lead is available in both the modern version and the older denser type.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia has one of the largest ranges of historic pigments anywhere. From Azurite to Vermillion and everything in between, including the Fra Angelico version of genuine Ultramarine made according to a Renaissance recipe.
  • South London Art Supplies
    UK. Sells a presentation box of historic minerals not ground such as Lapis Lazuli, Red Jasper, Azurite, Malachite, Chrysocolla, Cinnabar, Fuschite, and Sodalite. In addition a wde range of unique Earth colors hand dug from all over Europe and Asia. Several of these are also sold as solid lumps for using directly on prepared paper for drawing.
  • Winsor and Newton
    UK. Their range is much smaller than it used to be and now there are only 3 obsolete pigments in the range but 2 of them are very special, genuine Carmine which is simply beautiful, although it fades so fast it should not be used for permanent work, Rose Madder Genuine which is ASTM l l, and Alizarin Crimson Genuine which is ASTM l l l.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi is famous for their historic pigments for Conservation and fine artists. Egg Tempera is their specialty. They supply a large range of natural plant derived and mineral colors. Their color list reads like Cennini's color list. Fustic, Hematite, Arzica, Verzino, Dragons Blood, Red Lake, Verdigris, Vermillion, Indigo, Cochineal, Sepia, Smalt are a small sampling of the pigments here.


Oils and Alkyds
While every art store sells refined Linseed Oil, it may not be so easy to find special oils like Nut Oil and Poppy Oil, or Linseed Oil in a form that the Old Masters might have used. Alkyd oils and mediums are easier to find, but they are included here as well.


  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They sellCold Pressed Linseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Poppy Oil, and Black Walnut Oil (Litharge), Copaiba and Canada Balsams, Venice and Strasbourg Turpentines, Oil of Spike Lavender, Lemon Oil, and Rectified Spirit of Turpentine. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Daniel Smith
    USA. Excellent quality cold pressed Linseed Oil, Poppy Oil, and Walnut Oil bottled under their own label. Use the search bar at top left of their website to locate products.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Kama supplies Cold pressed Linseed Oil and Walnut Oil, and Alkyd mediums packed in their own label at a moderate price.
  • Kremer
    Germany/USA. With a New York store supplies various choices of Cold Pressed Linseed Oil, Walnut Oil, Poppy Oil, siccatives etc.
  • Langridge
    Australia. Supplier of Alkali Refined Linseed Oil. Langridge also sell their own Oil Paint Binder which is Linseed Oil based and has wax and driers added. Langridge also sells Scmincke siccatives Haarlem and Mussini both of which are Alkyd based driers and thinners. Supply Art Spectrum wax/oil mediums, Archival Alkyd mediums, and Winsor and Newton Linseed Oils, including Cold Pressed Linseed Oil.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has one of the largest ranges of oils in existence. Cold Pressed Linseed Oil, Alkali Refined Linseed Oil, Black Oil, Poppy Oil, Safflower Oil, Spike Oil and Walnut Oil. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, catalogs, books and more.
  • Old Holland
    Netherlands. Maker of Cold Pressed Linseed Oil in the windmill, this oil is an excellent drier and is similar to the oils used by the Old Masters. A darkish oil that makes very strong oil films.
  • Pearl
    USA. One of the few places that sells Black Oil which is claimed by some authorities to be one of the Old Master's secrets. Also sell cold pressed Linseed Oil and Poppy Oil.
  • Sennelier
    France. Black Oil, Cold Pressed Linseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Maroger Medium, Alkyd Mediums, Canada Balsam, Venice Turpentine, Spike Oil of Lavender. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their web site but it is coming soon.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia has an excellent range of oils including cold pressed Linseed Oil, Cold pressed Walnut Oil, Poppy Oil, Lavender Oil, Clove Oil, and Linseed Oil with Cobalt driers.
  • South London Art Supplies
    UK. Cold pressed Linseed Oil, Poppy Oil, and Safflower Oil from an extraordinary shop.
  • Williamsburg
    USA. Cold pressed Linseed Oil, Alkali Refined Linseed Oil. Black Oil, Sun Thickened Linseed Oil made on the premises seaonally according to an old master recipe, Venice Turpentine, Maroger Medium, Alkyd Resin.
  • Winsor and Newton
    UK. Cold Pressed Linseed Oil, thickened, bleached, alkali refined, and siccative oils. Liquin and Oleopasto are probably the world's most popular Alkyd mediums and can be used with confidence.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi has a full range of oils, balsams, and Turpentines including Venice Turpentine. Cold pressed Linseed Oil, Walnut Oil, and Poppy Oil.


Other
This section is for those inevitable things that don't fit the other caregories but are important to include. Things like Gilding supplies.


  • Cat Windmill
    NETHERLANDS. This site is entirely in Dutch. The windmills in this area were producing pigments from 1596 using prison labor. This particular Windmill started operating in 1782. From the description it appears that Brazilwood may have been the principal color made. The mill struggled to meet demand due to the problems arising from flooding in the area, but continued into the 20th century when auxilliary mechanical power was introduced. In 1959 the mill was restructured as 'The Cat' and returned to original operation. It is the only remaining windmill operated color house in the world. When I am able to find out how to buy their products I will post it here on this page. In the meanwhile, enjoy the photographs of living history, and if you speak and understand Dutch better than I do, please help find more information and send to me via the suggestion box.
  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They specialise in Gilding Supplies and have one of the largest ranges anywhere including tools, leaf, and metal powders. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Flemish Masters
    USA. Hand made paint in tubes made according to the recipes of the Flemish masters, and using the same pigments that they would have used and no more. Wood panels prepared exactly as Cennini recommended using lime glue and gessoed with hide glue chalk gesso and sold in a choice of the colored grounds favored by the Flemish masters. Sounds impossible? Too good to be true? Think again. These oil paints are very special and are the real thing. Recommended. There can be supply problems as it really is a small business doing things the time honored way.
  • Hand Made Pastels
    UK. Found on the South London Art Supplies web site on the 'drawing materials' page these pastels are made from hand collected natural earths that are perfect for subtle artworks of any kind. These are quite simply extraordinary.
  • Hilliard Society of Miniaturists
    UK. Web site includes links to societies for miniaturists in Australia, Canada, France, Israel, South Africa, UK, and USA. Source for Tagua, the Ivory substitute that comes from a palm tree. Featured artists, supplies, news etc.
  • Iconofile
    USA. Supplies and information for the Icon painter. Everything required in one location including Gold Leaf and pigments for making Tempera.
  • Michael Harding Handmade Paints
    UK. Michael Harding makes paints that are quite unique. He uses old master methods yet follows the scientific method. Mostly the colors are modern yet he proudly offers genuine Vermillion, Naples Yellow (light and dark) and genuine Lemon Yellow (Barium Chromite). The best thing of all is that he is the first Oil Paint maker in over a hundred years to offer White Lead ground in Walnut Oil. He has a long list of famous artist's who are prepared to say they use and love the paint.
  • R & F Handmade Paints
    USA. Based in Kingston, NY, R & F hand make the world's best Oil Sticks in a range of 89 beautiful colors. The sticks are made without any extenders and other additives, so the indivdual character of the pigments shows. Sticks are made in standard sizes, but can also be made to order in giant sizes as well.
  • Rublev Oil Colors
    USA. 42 Renaissance and old master pigments ground in aged linseed oil without any stabilisers or other additives so that the full character of the pigment is displayed. The colors include mostly Earth colors, Cinnabar, Lapis Lazuli, Azurite, Malachite, Hematite, and so on. Pigment particle size is up to 6 times larger than modern pigments so that the crystalline structure of certain colors adds to the beauty. This paint is like that used by Old Masters like Titian. From the Natural Pigments company.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia specialises in gilding supplies and books.
  • Society of Gilders
    USA. Gallery, education, forum, links, and members directory. Based in the United States, but with an international membership.
  • Society of Tempera Painters
    USA/UK The Society of Tempera Painters is dedicated to the improvement in the art of Tempera painting by the interchange of the knowledge and experience of the members and fellow tempera painters. Newsletters, resources, galleries of members works. They welcome new members via their online application form.
  • Williamsburg
    USA. Hand made paint in the tradition of 19th century color men. The paint is made in small quantities with a heavy emphasis on Italian Earths, Chemically Pure Cadmiums, genuine Vermillion, genuine lapis Lazuli, probably the largest range of Cobalts in existence, and an excellent traditional White Lead Oil Ground. The pigments are ground to optimise color beauty with some Earths being relatively gritty enabling the rich undertones full reign.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi supplies and excellent range of Gilding supplies


Panels, Papers, Blocks, Stretchers & Canvas
While paint can and has been applied to almost any imaginable surface, only the best materials specifically designed for particular artist's paints will endure for any great length of time. In addition, supports suitable for any particular medium are most likely to be the easiest to paint on, and offer optimal levels of tooth and responsiveness to the artist's touch. Below are suppliers of high quality and traditional supports suitable for artist's and conservators.


  • Arches Papers
    France. Arches is one of the oldest company's in the world, believed to have first made paper in 1492. They supplied paper for Durer's books. The Arches website has information on how they make the paper, the various types of drawing and watercolor paper, artist's techniques, and the 500+ years history of this paper mill.
  • Art Boards
    USA. Specialist manufacturers of archival painting supports of all kinds including maple wood panels, both cradled and uncradled, watercolor panels using Arches paper attached with the Beva adhesive used by conservators, canvas panels made with Belgian linen, printmakers wood blocks for both woodcut and wood engraving, stretchers, and mounting panels. Their wide range of stretchers include both round and oval strechers from 6 inch (10 cm) to 48 inch (120 cm). Art boards also manufacture a unique acrylic gesso that is designed purely for panels which has the sanding qualities, absorbency, and eggshell like surface of traditional gesso, and is distinctly different from the more plastic style of acrylic 'gesso' from other manufacturers. They also supply hand made glass mullers in various sizes from 4 inch down to a tiny 1 inch muller. Their products are available from major art stores in USA UK and New Zealand, and can be purchased via their online store for delivery almost anywhere.
  • Euraba Aboriginal Papers
    Australia. This small group of Aboriginal people, mostly women, from a remote country area make unique rag based hand made papers in rich natural colors in small quantities. They make various types of papers including art papers. Uniquely they also make and sell artworks described as 'pulp painting' in which the paper pulps are creatively colored as part of the paper making process resulting in art that is part of the paper itself. Examples of this are found on their web site under 'Our Art Gallery' - 'Our Artworks' by Lola Binge and Lisa Bartman.
  • Fabriano
    Italy. While the oldest continuously operating paper mill in Europe started operating at Arches in France in 1492, paper was first made at Fabriano in Italy in 1264, and the current mills there are descended from that pioneering mill more than 700 years ago. Fabriano still makes hand made papers watermarked with a she-wolf and the word 'Roma' that is said to be similar to Fabriano paper used by Michelangelo. Fabriano was resposible for the early technological developments that made European papers distinctive from Oriental papers, especially the practice of gelatine sizing and the invention of watermarks.


Pigments, Mullers, Etc
Pigments are the center of the artist's universe of color. Here are some of the more important sellers to artist's. Beware of hazardous materials.


  • Art Boards
    USA. Hand made glass mullers in various sizes from 4 inch, suitable for making larger quantities of paint, down to a tiny 1 inch muller, suitable for making musical instuments, including violin makers, conservators, artists, and others needing to grind small quantities. There is a 'find a retailer' page on their web site, or you can purchase via their online store for delivery almost anywhere.
  • Blockx
    Belgium. Pigments available in small glass jars. The standout color is their Venetian Red which is a natural red Earth from Venice. Sell Flake White (Lead White) and genuine Alizarin Crimson.
  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They specialise in pigments both modern and historic, tubes, pans, Mullers and Slabs, and Mortars and Pestles including the extra hard Agate Mortars (favored for reducing the possibility of contamination). They also stock the old fashioned glass reagent jars with glass stoppers that are both practical and can be hard to find. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Daniel Smith
    USA. An excellent range of pigments including some unusual Quinacridone shades. The pigments are of the highest quality and yet are moderately priced.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Kama is a specialist producer of artist's pigments with a web site that includes paint making methods for the beginner. Pigment selection is large and moderately priced. Modern and historic pigments. Mostly very permanent but the pigment sold as Indian Yellow appears to be PY 100 also called Tartrazine Lake, a fugitive color. Beautiful range of Cadmiums including the deepest shades. A large choice of mullers are sold as well as empty tubes and various glass and plastic empty containers. Overall a superb offering from a company with the highest standards and best quality products for any artist wanting to make paint.
  • Kremer Pigments
    Germany/USA. With a New York store, Kremer is a specialist producer of artist's pigments. It is the only easy to find maker of the genuine Lapis Lazuli made by Kremer to the recipe of Cennini. Supply a wide range of obsolete pigments like Smalt, Azurite, rare French Ochres etc as well as modern synthetic pigments. Mullers including both stone as well as glass mullers, Mortars and Pestles.
  • Langridge
    Australia. Supplier of Mullers, glass slabs, Scmincke pigments, Pearl-Ex iridescent, interferance, and duo tone mica pigments. Langridge also package their own range of pigments in basic colors, and supply inert pigments in larger packs at reasonable cost.
  • Old Holland
    Netherlands. 98 colors that are lightfast and high quality. Download the color chart and the colors marked PIG are available as pigments. The Cadmiums are stand out, 99.9% chemically pure. Earth colors are excellent. Manganese Blue is available and Old Holland is one of the last suppliers of this color. Good size packaging including large plastic cannisters.
  • Schmincke
    Germany. Available globally, a wide range of pigments and extenders and fillers. Highlights are the Ultramarines including Violet and Red, and Vanadium Yellow. On the other hand the company does not give color index names with most promotional material and the Cadmiums are not chemically pure.
  • Sennelier
    France. This list of pigment colors is like stepping back in time as is their entire art materials ethos. Some interesting colors, but be aware that some of them are very impermanent or poisonous. It is one of the few places to find Chrome Yellow or Chrome Green. The standard range of pigments sold under the Sennelier brand are available worldwide but a visit to their website reveals a far more extensive range of pigments available directly from their Paris store. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their site but it is coming soon.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia has one of the largest ranges of pigments and paintmaking supplies (including mullers and empty tubes) anywhere. A huge range of natural Earth colors, the best of the modern synthetics and historic pigments from Azurite to Vermillion and everything in between, including the Fra Angelico version of genuine Ultramarine made according to a Renaissance recipe. Excellent web site.
  • Williamsburg
    USA. An excellent range of pigments with a nice balance between traditional Earths and modern synthetics. The Earths are superb, probably has the best range of Cobalts available in one place, beautiful CP Cadmiums, slate pigments.
  • Winsor and Newton
    UK. A range of 31 colors in 30 ml jars. Available where-ever Winsor and Newton is stocked which means virtually everywhere. One of the few suppliers of genuine artist quality Carmine (warning: it fades) and Rose Madder Genuine.


Stores and Regional Distribution Centers
Sometimes you cannot find a particular item and the only thing left is to simply ask an art store to order it in for you. The following stores have expertise with the  needs of the artist who is making paint and are good starting points.


  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day. They are proud that their store looks like a 19th century apothecary, and sell a wide range of art materials suitable for those experimenting with making paints including rare pigments, gums, waxes, resins, oils, fillers. and tools. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Daniel Smith
    USA. Daniel Smith are helpful and produce their own lines of pigments, cold pressed Linseed Oil, Poppy Oil, Walnut Oil, Gums and Damar. They have a philosophy of artist's helping artist's and it shows in their pricing and attitudes to art supplies. Use the search bar at top left of their site to find products otherwise their site can be frustrating to use.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Kama sells everything the maker of paint is likely to need from the pigments and binders to the empty tubes at their Montreal store.
  • Parkers Fine Art Supplies
    Australia. Since 1918 the Parker family has been selling quality paint making supplies to professional artists. Their shop is a magic kingdom of pigments, gums, oils, waxes, and resins. Pigments stocked include Old Holland, Langridge, Schmincke, Kremer, and Winsor and Newton. They appear not to have a web site, relying instead on word of mouth as in an earlier age, but can be contacted on 02 9247 9979. Their address is 3 Cambridge Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.
  • Pearl
    USA. Claimed to be the biggest art store in the universe they don't stock everything but they come close, and having large turnover of stock means fresh supplies of those things that need to be fresh.
  • Sennelier
    France. This store in Paris is a step back in time to a world of quality art materials from centuries past. A large range of pigments, gums, waxes, oils, resins, and tools for the artist wanting to make paint. They also sell R&F encaustic paints and Williamsburg handmade oil paints. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their site but it is coming soon.


Waxes, Gums, and Resins
Here is where to look if your local art store assistant looks blank when you enquire about special resins and gums.


  • Cornelissen's
    UK/WORLD WIDE. L Cornelissen & Son was established in 1885, at a time when artist's were exploring the British Empire. From the beginning they specialised in dispatching art materials world wide, and continue that tradition to this day.Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, Paraffin Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Gum Arabic Kordofan, Gum Benzoin, Copal, Elemi, Mastic, Tragacanth, Sandarac, Paraloid, Colophony, and Damar,. Info is downloadable in PDF form.
  • Daniel Smith
    USA. Wax, Gum Arabic powder, and lumps of Damar at reasonable prices.
  • Kama Pigments
    Canada. Kama supplies a large range of specialty waxes, gums, and resins. A superb range in fact, at excellent prices.
  • Kremer Pigments
    Germany/USA With a New York store sells a wide range of waxes gums and natural resins many of which are hard to find anywhere else.
  • Langridge
    Australia. Supplier of gum solutions sold as prepared binders for watercolor, gouache, and pastels. Also sells Dammar lumps in packs, and Refined Beeswax in pellet form.
  • Natural Pigments
    USA./Russia/Lithuania. Based in California with an affiliate company in the Russian Federation and a distribution center in Lithuania, this company has the ability to access the rare materials used in painting from prehistoric times up to the end of the 18th century. Gum Arabic, Amber, Damar, beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Candalilla Wax, Isinglass, and Gelatin are all stocked. Their website is rather slow to use because it is packed with information, recipes, history, catalogs, books and more.
  • PT. Dammar Murni Indah
    Indonesia. Wholesale company selling in wholesale quantities Gum Damar, Gum Copal, Gum Rosin, Gum Turpentine Oil, Oleo Pine Resin, Damar Oil, and Damar Batu. This is the major wholesale source selling internationally from the Forestry Department in Indonesia of the resins collected freshly from the forests in various grades. They normally supply product by the thousands of tons so they are not suited to the needs of the individual artist, but do supply companies that manufacture paint.
  • R & F Handmade Paints
    USA. Based in Kingston, NY, R & F are encaustic specialists, They sell Refined Beeswax, Parafin Wax, Carnauba Wax, and Damar lumps.
  • Sennelier
    France. Amber, Damar, Gum Arabic, Gum Amoniaque, Gum Adragante, Bitumen, Copal, Colophony, Dextrin, and Shellac. They have not at the time of publishing finished the English version of their site but it is coming soon.
  • Sinopia Pigments
    USA. Californian based Sinopia has a superb range of waxes, gums and natural resins for all paint making purposes.
  • Williamsburg
    USA. Damar and refined beeswax at reasonable cost and high quality.
  • Zecchi
    Italy. Based in Florence Zecchi is famous for their historic pigments for Conservation and fine artists. Egg Tempera is their specialty. They supply a large range of natural gums, resins and waxes including Gum Arabic, Tragacanth, Damar, Amber, Cherry Gum, and Beeswax.


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