Description
Australian Yellow Green | Matisse Studio acrylic paint
During the Old Masters period, yellow-green colours were often given perplexing names like pink bice or green pink, referring to a yellow pigment derived from Buckthorn berries, known as stil de grain or pink yellow. The origin of this naming convention remains unclear, though it may stem from buckthorn’s ability to produce both red and yellow hues. Along with yellow pigments, this plant also yielded Sap Green, a vivid and widely used green pigment. When mixed with blue bice (usually azurite), it created the yellow-green colour pink bice, popular during the 18th century. A darker green, resembling Hooker’s Green, could also be achieved by combining yellow pigment with indigo. Despite their allure, these early green pigments were highly fugitive—modern estimates place their lightfastness at around ASTM IV, meaning they faded rapidly over time.
Matisse Australian Yellow Green is the contemporary successor to this historic colour, showcasing a beautiful chartreuse hue inspired by our uniquely Australian flora. It is invaluable for lightening greens without diminishing their vibrancy or depth, which white often tends to do. It also excels in creating new greens with nuance and variety. For example, mixing Australian Yellow Green with Australian Ghost Gum enhances the yellow undertones for a warm green, while blending it with Australian Sky Blue produces a cooler, lighter green. Combining it with Southern Ocean Blue creates a deep, rich green, while Cobalt Blue yields an earthy olive tone. For a bright, permanent light green, it pairs beautifully with Cobalt Teal. Australian Yellow Green continues the legacy of these historical pigments, offering painters the same utility and beauty while ensuring permanence and reliability.
