Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Old Holland Classic Oil Colours
- Understanding the Old Holland Oil Paint Chart
- Pigment Composition and Classification
- Transparency and Drying Times
- Lightfastness and Permanence
- Hand-Painted vs. Printed Color Charts
- Where to Access Old Holland Color Charts
- FAN Studio: High-Quality Handmade Oil Paintings
- Summary Table
Introduction

Old Holland has been producing premium oil paints since 1664, earning a reputation for exceptional quality and a vast color range. Their oil paint chart is an essential tool for artists, providing detailed information on pigment composition, transparency, drying times, and more. This guide delves into the Old Holland oil paint chart, helping artists make informed decisions for their creative endeavors.
Overview of Old Holland Classic Oil Colours
Old Holland’s Classic Oil Colours are renowned for their:dickblick.com+11artistpigments.org+11Old Holland Classic Colours+11
- Rich Pigmentation: High pigment concentration ensures vibrant and lasting colors.
- Historical Formulations: Many colors are based on traditional recipes, preserving the techniques of the Old Masters.
- Handcrafted Quality: Each paint is meticulously crafted to maintain consistency and excellence.
The range includes over 168 colors, offering artists a comprehensive palette for various artistic styles and techniques.
Understanding the Old Holland Oil Paint Chart
The Old Holland oil paint chart provides vital information for each color, including:
- Color Name and Code: Identifies the specific shade.
- Pigment Composition: Details the pigments used in the formulation.
- Transparency: Indicates whether the paint is transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque.
- Drying Time: Classifies the drying speed as fast, medium, or slow.
- Oil Content: Specifies the amount of oil in the paint, affecting texture and drying.
- Lightfastness: Rates the color’s resistance to fading over time.Old Holland Classic Colours+4Old Holland Classic Colours+4Old Holland Classic Colours+4
This comprehensive data assists artists in selecting the appropriate colors for their work, ensuring desired effects and longevity.Jerry’s Artarama
Pigment Composition and Classification
Understanding pigment composition is crucial for color mixing and achieving specific hues. Old Holland provides detailed pigment information, including:Tindalls Arts & Crafts
- Pigment Codes: Standardized identifiers (e.g., PW6 for Titanium White).
- Pigment Types: Indicates whether pigments are natural, synthetic, or a combination.Old Holland Classic Colours+2Old Holland Classic Colours+2Old Holland Classic Colours+2
For example:
- Titanium White (A1): PW6 – Titanium Dioxide.
- Cadmium Yellow Lemon (D9): PY35 – Cadmium Zinc Sulfide.
- Ultramarine Blue (B22): PB29 – Synthetic Ultramarine.Old Holland Classic Colours+1Old Holland Classic Colours+1
This information aids in predicting color behavior and compatibility during mixing.
Transparency and Drying Times
Transparency affects layering and glazing techniques, while drying time influences workflow. Old Holland categorizes these attributes as follows:Jerry’s Artarama+1dickblick.com+1Jerry’s Artarama+3Old Holland Classic Colours+3Old Holland Classic Colours+3
Transparency Levels
- Opaque : Provides solid coverage; ideal for base layers.
- Semi-Opaque : Offers moderate coverage; suitable for blending.
- Semi-Transparent : Allows some underlying colors to show through; good for subtle effects.
- Transparent : Best for glazing and creating depth.Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
Drying Times
- Fast (F): Dries quickly; beneficial for rapid layering.
- Medium (M): Standard drying time; versatile for various techniques.
- Slow (S): Extended drying; allows for prolonged blending and manipulation.
Artists can utilize this information to plan their painting process effectively.
Lightfastness and Permanence
Lightfastness measures a color’s resistance to fading when exposed to light. Old Holland rates lightfastness on a scale from 1 (excellent) to 8 (poor). Most of their colors boast high lightfastness ratings, ensuring artwork longevity.
For instance:
- Cadmium Red Light (E21): Lightfastness 7/8 – Excellent permanence.
- Cobalt Blue Deep (E38): Lightfastness 7/8 – Exceptional durability.
Selecting colors with high lightfastness is essential for preserving the integrity of artworks over time.
Hand-Painted vs. Printed Color Charts
Old Holland offers both printed and hand-painted color charts:Jerry’s Artarama
- Printed Charts: Convenient and cost-effective; colors may not accurately represent actual paint due to printing limitations.
- Hand-Painted Charts: Each swatch is painted with real paint, providing true color representation and texture.
Artists seeking precise color matching and a tactile reference may prefer hand-painted charts despite the higher cost.
Where to Access Old Holland Color Charts
Artists can obtain Old Holland color charts through various sources:
- Official Website: Downloadable PDFs of color charts and technical information.
- Art Supply Retailers: Purchase hand-painted charts from stores like Blick Art Materials and Jerry’s Artarama.
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms such as Amazon and Jackson’s Art Supplies offer charts and paint sets.
These resources provide valuable tools for artists to explore and select colors effectively.
FAN Studio: High-Quality Handmade Oil Paintings
FAN Studio specializes in creating exquisite handmade oil paintings, utilizing high-quality pigments imported from the UK. Their offerings include:
- Green Abstract Hand-Painted Oil Painting: Features rich textures and vibrant hues, perfect for modern interiors.
- Mo Landi Log Wind Pure Hand-Painted Oil Painting: Showcases abstract art with calming tones, ideal for living spaces.
Each piece is crafted by experienced artists, ensuring uniqueness and artistic integrity.
Summary Table
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Pigment Composition | Detailed pigment codes and types for accurate color mixing. |
Transparency | Ranges from transparent to opaque, guiding layering techniques. |
Drying Time | Classified as fast, medium, or slow, aiding in workflow planning. |
Lightfastness | High ratings ensure color permanence and artwork longevity. |
Color Charts | Available in printed and hand-painted formats for accurate color reference. |
FAN Studio Offerings | High-quality, handmade oil paintings using premium pigments. |
This comprehensive guide equips artists with essential knowledge to navigate the Old Holland oil paint chart, enhancing their creative process and ensuring the creation of enduring artworks.