Australian Olive Green | Matisse acrylic paint

Australian Olive Green | Matisse Acrylic Paint

Historical Craving: Artists' Quest for Olive Green

 

For centuries, artists yearned for Olive Green, a colour eluding them in the realms of malachite or erratic blends of blue and fugitive yellows. Contemporary paint manufacturers bridge this gap by artfully blending permanent pigments to recreate this coveted hue.

 

Artistic Allure: Resembling Nature's Canvas

 

Artists are drawn to Olive Green for its resemblance to the hues of bushland, a palette reflecting the earthy tones of nature. Interestingly, this colour has not only adorned artists' canvases but has also found a place in military uniforms over the years.

 

Evolution of Military Hue: From Bright to Drab

 

In military history, uniforms transitioned from vivid colours like blue and red to drab shades for tactical reasons. Abbott Handerson Thayer, an artist studying camouflage, played a pivotal role. During the Spanish-American War, he experimented with olive green, later documented in his influential 1909 book, forming the foundation for modern military camouflage.

 

Olive Green 107: A Military Legacy

 

The U.S. military retains Olive Green for specific contexts, officially known as "Olive Green 107" (OG107). While solid olive green proved less effective, the colour endures in modern camouflage patterns.

 

Australian Olive Green: A Deeper Palette

 

Distinct from its American counterpart, Australian Olive Green boasts a deeper hue, not reflecting darker forests but providing artists with a versatile base. To mimic the military olive shade, a touch of Yellow Oxide transforms Australian Olive Green.

 

Tailored for Coastal Forests: Nature's Palette in Australia

 

Australia's diverse landscapes, from coastal rainforests to sclerophyll forests, find their reflection in Australian Olive Green. Sclerophyll forests, common in Australia and globally, with eucalypts and acacias, align seamlessly with the palette. Experimenting with yellows, Aureolin, and Australian Sienna refines the green spectrum.

 

Nature's Elegance: Shadows and Variations

 

Australian Olive Green blends seamlessly with shadows and dark leaves, enhanced by Australian Sienna. Transparent Red Oxide deepens shadows, while Ash Pink, Australian Sky Blue, and Australian Blue Gum offer nuanced variations, especially in the gentle greens of eucalyptus leaves.

 

Iridescent Explorations: Artistic Applications

 

Addressing iridescence in bird plumage and butterfly wings, Australian Olive Green proves versatile. Combining it with Metallic Bronze and other colours unleashes a spectrum of shades, not just for natural depictions but also in the realm of imaginative and abstract artworks. Experimentation with this bronze-infused green opens avenues for vibrant and striking compositions.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse Australian Olive Green (SDS)

To view or download a copy of Australian Olive Green SDS CLICK HERE * (271kb)  
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