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What’s the difference between phthalo blue (red shade) and phthalo blue (green shade)? The two colours are very similar, so I created a video comparing phthalo blue acrylic paints.
Watch the phthalo blue red shade vs. green shade video on my Youtube channel.
I really like using both versions of phthalo blue when painting in acrylics. I often use phthalo blue (red shade) when painting a landscape where the sky is quite prominent. For example, a sky with a few clouds over a field. I tend to use phthalo blue (green shade) when I’m painting an ocean scene and would like to create some watery blues.
Phthalo blues have very strong tinting power so you only need to use a small amount. This paint colour is also on the less expensive side, so it’s an economical choice all around. Phthalo blues were first synthesized in the early 1930s, from copper phthalocyanine. Since it’s from the 20th century, it’s considered a modern colour.
In the video, I test out the two phthalo blues mixed with white, which helps to see the undertones of the paint. Then I created mixes with two reds (cadmium red and quinacridone magenta), two yellows (cadmium yellow medium hue and cadmium lemon) and burnt sienna.
You can make some really fantastic darks when mixing phthalo blues, but it’s also great to mix incredibly bright colours. It’s quite flexible once you get to know your colour mixes. I think most people could find a spot for a phthalo blue on their acrylic paint palette, especially for people who love bright, vibrant colours in their painting.
Learn more
Check out a listing of all my colour mixing blog posts and videos on my colour mixing roundup article.
Get your own
Pick up your own acrylic paints at your local art store or on Amazon:
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