Antique White | Matisse Acrylic Paint

Origins and Purpose

 

Antique White acrylic paint was initially introduced to cater to folk artists seeking a creamy off-white hue for their diverse projects. Interestingly, this soft white found resonance not only among folk artists but also appealed to fine artists. Titanium White, often perceived as a more pristine white, can sometimes lack the warmth desired in a painting. In the bygone era of old masters, this wouldn't have posed an issue, as colours were freshly crafted in studios, allowing masters to easily tweak shades with a touch of ochre. However, in the contemporary landscape of pre-made paints, artists often find themselves limited to pure white options. Matisse addresses this constraint by offering a selection of off-whites, each with distinct characteristics.

 

The Palette of Off-Whites

 

Matisse Antique White emerges with the colour reminiscent of fresh cream, making it the preferred choice when seeking a white for blending with yellows, oranges, and warm reds. This off-white possesses the warmth reminiscent of White Lead bound in linseed oil, a feature cherished by old masters. They appreciated the warmth for its compatibility with the warm highlights seen in human skin. The creamy texture of Antique White provides modern acrylic painters with flexibility, allowing them to opt for it over pure Titanium White, especially when painting figures and other scenarios where maintaining warmth in colours is desirable. This off-white palette expands the artist's expressive possibilities, connecting the heritage of old master techniques with contemporary acrylic artistry.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse Antique White (SDS)

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