Naples Yellow

[Debra Norton]

I'm getting frustrated with the Naples Yellow I use (Winsor Newton). It gets so stiff by the time I get to the end of the tube that I have a hard time getting it onto the brush and mixing it. I'm thinking of trying a different brand and wondered if anyone out there would be willing to tell me what they use and how it acts, especially at the end of the tube. A 37ml tube usually lasts me four or five months.
Thanks

[Sharon Knettell]

Debra,

Look at the label. Most likely it is a mixture of a white plus some kind of yellow pigment. Most tubes marked Naples yellow are not the real thing.

The real thing is a beautiful lemony yellow, which used to be called, I believe, lead tin yellow and was used by Sargent among others. It is Lead Antimonate. Michael Harding (www.michaelharding.co.uk) makes a beautiful one called Genuine Naples Yellow Light, that is useful to the end of the tube. It handles and mixes beautifully. It can be found here at www.italianartstore.com.

It is pricey, a Genuine Naples Yellow always is.

[Debra Norton]

Thanks Sharon, I'll give it a try.

[Bianca Berends]

Do they sell the brand Lefranc in your local store? It is quit expensive, but I use only some of their colors. The paint is very creamy and stays that way.

Good luck

[Linda Brandon]

Debra, also try going to www.shopvasaricolors.com. Vasari has a true Naples Yellow (and also a very good, somewhat similar cool, non-pervasive yellow named Dutch Yellow, which is not as expensive as the true Naples).

[Debra Norton]

Thank you Bianca and Linda, I ended up getting some Michael Harding because we have it at our school store. I've only been using it for a week, so I'm still getting used to it. I plan to try some of the other brands eventually and will keep Vasari and Lefranc in mind.

[ReNae Stueve]

Debra,

I have been using Cennini colors for some time now and the Naples Yellow is outstanding. The consistancy of these paints are perfect.

Over the years I've discovered that in addition to quality of paint the quality of the tube and cap system it comes in should be considered. Cennini has a good sturdy cap with a deep thread to keep the paints fresh.

These can be found at http://studioproducts.com

[Sharon Knettell]

I still have some of the Micheal Harding left. I do Love it.

Is the Studio product lemony or warmer?

I have just ordered their optical white and his Alizarin replacement.

I just got reamed out by Rob on Cennini and my husband a materials scientist for not doing the necessary tests on my materials.

[ReNae Stueve]

Sharon,

It is warmer.

When I need to get close to Naples but more buttery, I use a Cad Yel Light and just a touch of his Orchre. This is transparent, adding another touch of white for opaque.

My daughter is a Molecular Toxicologist. I'm used to such reamings..... It's good to be informed, Cennini fits the model as Ryan would say.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Hi there,

I suggest you to avoid using Naples yellow because it is very toxic.