Description
Vermilion (Azo), based in Pigment Orange 36, presents a striking reddish-orange colour characterized by exceptional permanence, making it a preferred choice not just for Artists. Its prominence in the automotive sector showcases its versatility, and its common combination with quinacridone reds produces vibrant shades like fire engine red.
The original vermilion, containing mercury and notorious for its toxicity, faced reliability issues. While generally permanent, suboptimal manufacturing could cause the red colour to turn black within a painting. The labor-intensive process of grinding vermilion to ensure longevity was a notable practice among old masters. The introduction of Cadmium Red led to the decline of vermilion due to its numerous problems.
In contrast, Vermilion (Azo) emerges as a non-toxic alternative, ensuring safety in various applications, including outdoor murals and children's play areas. Its affordability, especially when compared to other deep orange colours, makes it an attractive choice for artists on a budget.
Vermilion (Azo) shines as a deep red-orange, suitable for outdoor murals and versatile in landscape compositions. Its compatibility with blues creates a range of pleasing grays, while its role in landscapes involves enhancing ochre colours and contributing to the transition between shadows and light on rocks. This dynamic colour serves as a valuable tool for artists, combining practicality, safety, and affordability in one pigment.
