Ultramarine Blue Offerings

Continuing our stroll through the spectrum, we suggest spending time contemplating ultramarine blue, which has become my own favorite color since satisfying my need for green pastures in elementary school. The word ultramarine comes from Latin: ultramarinus — meaning “beyond the sea.” The pigment was derived historically from finely ground-up lapis lazuli; the best source for this semi-precious stone was Afghanistan. The designation “ultramarine” was first used by Venetian traders of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Fortunately for the 21st-century artist, a chemical equivalent for natural ultramarine was discovered in 1826 by a French chemist, and another equivalent by a German chemist in 1828. Once artificially created ultramarine blue began to be produced commercially, the color went from being practically the most expensive one to purchase to being one of the cheapest. For a more scientific discussion of ultramarine blue, follow this link from Winsor Newton, one of the most reliable and respected sources of the paints I prefer to use in teaching watercolor. And for a more personal peek into blue in my own world, please have a look at this video.