Venetian Red, also called Mars Red, is a non-toxic iron oxide pigment used by dyers, painters and craftspersons since the early days of mankind. Artistic senses awaken the power to explore and craft unique hues. Venetian Red excites Renaissance artists and artisans.
The Origin of Venetian Red
Venetian Red, a rich and warm pigment, has been used in art for its vibrant color and historic significance. This earthy tone, reminiscent of the hues found in ancient architecture and landscapes, brings depth and warmth to any artistic palette.
Vibrant earthy Venetian Red originates in the Renaissance era in Venice, Italy, it quickly becomes a favorite among artists for warm tones and versatile nature. The first recorded use of the term Venetian Red is in 1753. This process is used for any iron oxide clay or rocks.
Venetian Red or Mars Red?
Venetian Red, sometimes referred to as Mars Red or ferric oxide, is derived from iron oxide, which gives it a distinctive deep red color. It's been favored by artists since the Renaissance, particularly in Venetian works. Spanish Red is close in color.
The pigment gets the name Mars Red due to the association of the planet with the element iron, the main ingredient in ferric oxide. In alchemy recipes iron or iron oxide is often called Mars as in "... add one mina of Mars" (about a pound or 0.435 kg of iron).
While iron oxide reds exist in prehistoric cave paintings, Venetian pigment is traditionally made from clay of Venetian soil. Like wines and cheeses, colors often take on the names of the places in which they're made, due to the specific combinations and properties of components.
Why Make Pigment?
Creating unique pigments allows the artist to control the quality and the color nuances. The secrets of pigment recipes and processes are well-guarded through history, because no two iron oxide reds are the same.
Venetian Red is a straightforward recipe and process. Nonetheless it's an endeavor often requiring several tries as the user familiarizes with the material. The color an artist creates is a unique signature.
For example, Renaissance painter Titian is known for "Titian Red" which does not exist as a paint pigment. He acquires the glowing colors by layering various paint pigments suspended in oil. Titian would have apprentices to grind the pigments.
Making pigment connects with the age-old practice of artists, gaining insights into materials and processes. Venetian red is one of the non-toxic pigments thus safe to experiment with. It makes a beautiful pottery glaze and remarkable colors in oil or egg tempura paintings.
Step 1. Ingredients and Tools Needed
Start by collecting all the necessary materials. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to minimize dust inhalation. To create Venetian Red powder pigment, gather together the following:
Natural Iron Oxide - hematite or iron oxide earth. Use earthy hematite rather than mineral hematite for easier grinding. What's the difference?
Mortar and Pestle: For grinding pigments to achieve desired fineness.
Sieve or Fine Mesh Strainer: To separate larger particles from finished pigment.
Water: For mixing and creating a paste. Linseed oil or egg yolk also makes a good binder.
Glass Containers: For storing pigment.
Protective Gear: Venetian red and natural iron oxides are non-toxic. Safety precautions may include gloves and a mask (to prevent inhalation of dust). The gloves can save hands from being colored by the process.
Iron oxide can also be filtered from red clay or soil. This red ocher pigment has the same components as those in hematite, it's just known by another name. To filter the pigment the clay or soil must be soaked and strained several times.
It can be done through gradually finer sieves, cloths or paper filters. Then the pigment is dried and grinding will commence to refine the oxide.
Step 2: Grind the Pigment
Using the mortar and pestle, grind the iron oxide until it reaches a fine powder. It's also possible to buy coarse iron oxide powder and grind it to a finer grain. This step is crucial as a finer pigment yields better mixing and application results.
Step 3: Sieve / Strain the Powder
Once the iron oxide is ground, use the sieve to filter the pigment. This ensures that larger particles are removed and the artist is left with a smooth and consistent pigment. Various sized sieves, cheesecloth, muslin, paper coffee filters can help refine grains and remove water.
Step 4: Create a Paste (Optional)
To create paint, combine finely sieved iron oxide powder with linseed oil. Iron oxide does not dissolve in water or oil but creates color with fine suspended particles. The density of the particles determines the richness of the color.
Start with a few drops and gradually add more liquid until desired consistency is reached. The paint or glaze can be used directly in art projects, artisan work, crafts or DIY decor.
Step 5: Storing Pigment
Continue mixing the paste until you achieve a creamy consistency, ensuring the pigment is well-blended. Store homemade Venetian Red in a sealed container in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Once pigment is ready, whether as a dry powder or a paste, transfer it to an airtight glass container for storage. Label the container.
DO NOT be disappointed if first batch doesn't turn out magnificently. Even the finest fine artists have to experiment with colors and binders, color extraction, learn skills and techniques and incorporate their own knowledge and intuition. There's a reason 7-Up is not called 6-Up.
Cosmetics
People have used iron oxides for personal decoration in many cultures. These earthy colors are worn as body paint or can enhance lip gloss and powders. During the Renaissance alchemists are responsible for many paint colors, dyes and cosmetics.
Note: Some images are for illustrative purposes only and not representative of the actual pigment-making process. However we'll have up-to-the-minute imagery as soon as we find our charger.
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