Lovely Alizarin, what are you using for a replacement?

[Garth Herrick]

It's an exceptionally well made handmade Alizarin and is the only brand I've experienced that actually matches the color effects of Rose Madder Genuine, an historic and very beautiful pigment. It is considered to be reasonably lightfast, and more stable and pure than any other brand over the past century. Here is the web link for Vasari Alizarin Crimson .

I have most all the alizarin replacements too, and none of them really replaces the Vasari original.

Garth

[Garth Herrick]

Hi Sharon,

Here are two pictures of my tube which will answer most questions about the Vasari product. "Highest quality purified, refined linseed oil" is the vehicle, and a lightfastness rating of "III Fair" is stated on the back of the tube. I think I was told by Steven Salek, who makes the paint, that the pigment (PR83), is madder derived, in this case. This is why it looks just like rose madder genuine. He told me some more things about how this pigment is more stable and better processed, but I have forgotten the details. It may be better to inquire at Vasari directly.

EDIT: don't necessarily trust the color here! It looks off to me on my monitor. It should look as a much deeper cool wine color.

Garth

[Richard Bingham]

Originally Posted by Garth Herrick

. . . I was told by Steven Salek, who makes the paint, that the pigment (PR83), is madder derived, in this case. . .

Chemically, PR 83 is derived from anthracene, a coal-tar derivative. Possibly he meant that their choice of material in this instance "derives" from satisfying their idea of a "match" for genuine madder?

Most colorsts' offerings are "signature" and this is more true of small "boutique" makers. Vasari makes excellent paint IMO.