Australian Sap Green | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Australian Sap Green | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

The origin of the name "Sap Green" remains shrouded in mystery, though it might stem from its resemblance to the vibrant hue of fresh spring leaves when the sap rises in trees. Historical records of the name date back to the 17th century, suggesting emergence as a common oil paint by then. However, the pigment itself had been in use for centuries prior, particularly in the vibrant illustrations of medieval illuminated manuscripts, where the enclosed pages preserved its delicate colour. Unfortunately, when exposed to light, traditional Sap Green proved highly fugitive. While the original buckthorn-derived pigment has largely been replaced by modern alternatives, Sap Green’s legacy persists, with the traditional pigment still produced for Chinese painting, now known as Chinese Green.

Our Australian Sap Green reimagines this historic pigment, blending modern, highly permanent colours—Matisse Emerald, Yellow Light Hansa, Yellow Deep, and Red Oxide—to replicate the fresh, vibrant hue of the original Sap Green. Inspired by the lush subtropical climes of the Daintree Rainforest in far North Queensland, it displays a lively, acidic green undertone that belies the deep forest green mass tone, evoking fresh shoots and dark mosses of the forest floor. This duality of light and shade defines the understory, a dense landscape revealed through the filtered light from the canopy above.

 Valued for its beauty and versatility, it remains a favourite for mixing greens. While it creates a vivid grass-green tone when combined with Cadmium Yellow Light, more nuanced olive greens, such as those mixed with Unbleached Titanium or Yellow Deep, are particularly useful for landscapes. For darker greens, Transparent Yellow Oxide or Transparent Red Oxide produces rich Hooker’s Green-like tones, while a cooler olive green emerges when paired with Australian Blue Gum. For sheer vibrancy, mixing Australian Sap Green with Permanent Green Light or Cobalt Teal creates stunning, rich hues that showcase the pigment’s unique charm. Though the buckthorn berries that inspired it may have faded into history, Sap Green continues to inspire artists with its timeless beauty.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse STUDIO Australian Sap Green (SDS)

To view or download a copy SDS, please  CLICK HERE * (271kb)  
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