Named for an 18th century watercolorist named William Payne who was known for creating dramatic atmospheric effects with a blue-grey combination of colours of his own invention. This hue eventually came to be known as Payne’s Grey, an homage to his work with this distinct colour.

Artist Notes: Use this popular hue for creating dramatic atmospheric effects or for creating shadows in landscapes. Payne’s Grey also mixes interesting greens when added to yellows such as Hansa Yellow Light and Aureolin.

Paint Maker’s Notes: The original Payne’s Grey was thought to be a combination of three pigments; Prussian Blue, Yellow Ochre, and Crimson Lake. Payne’s Grey is now traditionally made using a combination of Ultramarine Blue and other black or deep brown pigments.

Transparency: Opaque

Staining: Semi-Staining

Granularity: Semi-Granular

Pigment Number: PB 29 + PBk 11

Pigment Type: Synthetic Inorganic

Pigment Composition: Complex silicate of sodium and aluminum with sulfur + Iron oxide

Lightfastness: Not Rated

Toxicity: Non toxic