Australian Sky Blue | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Australian Sky Blue | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

No more intensely can the quality of Australian light be expressed than through the brilliant blue hues of our expansive skies. Matisse’s Australian Sky Blue captures the dazzling essence of this celestial palette, as a straightforward blend of Ultramarine and Titanium white. Subtly violet-blue in colour, it serves as the perfect base and ready-made convenience for artists painting our iconic skyline, which forms a key element in many landscapes. However, capturing the nuances of a changing atmosphere requires more than a single tube of paint – no one pigment has ever been able to represent the sky’s diversity.

Overhead, colours shift dramatically, not only from day to day but also across the span of the horizon. Deep blues seen directly above often transition into soft, light eggshell tones as they approach the horizon. Ephemeral weather conditions and fugitive lighting also impact our perceptual experience of the sky, as clear midday blues yield to the deep indigo transition of twilight. So, while Australian Sky Blue provides a solid foundation for landscapes, it should always be mixed to achieve a realistic sky gradient. In the northern hemisphere, Cerulean Blue works beautifully as a base for subdued European light, but doesn’t quite suit the vibrant skies of Australia. Ultramarine-based mixtures, like Australian Sky Blue, better reflect the clarity and intensity of Australian skies, particularly during summer or in arid regions.

To create seamless transitions within a sky, blending techniques are essential. Open Medium MM31 is particularly useful for this purpose, as it extends the drying time of paint and allows for wet-in-wet applications. For deeper tones, mix Australian Sky Blue with Ultramarine Blue, Mineral Blue, Primary Blue, Cerulean Blue, or Cobalt Blue, depending on the specific lighting conditions. To achieve the softer, hazy tones near the horizon, a hint of Australian Ghost Gum or Antique White can introduce a gentle eggshell effect. By working wet-in-wet, artists can achieve smooth gradations and capture the subtle beauty of a sky in flux.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse STUDIO Australian Sky Blue (SDS)

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