When exploring the quinacridone red hues, I became interested in how to mix a slightly deeper crimson, like Pyrrol Crimson (PR264).
Here I compared Holbein’s Pyrrol Rubin to a bunch of different mixes.
- Original color to match, Holbein Pyrrol Rubin (PR264)
- PV19 violet + PR188 naphthol scarlet: A bit muted
- PV19 violet + PR255 pyrrol scarlet: Actually similar to above, but I included a bit more of the scarlet so it’s brighter and warmer. But now it’s a bit too orange.
- PV19 violet + PR254 red: A bit too cool and muted
- PR254 + PB15:3 phthalo blue: Too brown
- PR254 + PV23 dioxazine violet: Still too brown
- PR254 + PR179 perylene maroon: Too dark/brown
- PR179 + PR122 quin magenta: Too purple
- PR179 + PV19 quin red: Probably the best, this is similar to what WN uses for their Alizarin Crimson hue
I found it difficult to mix the precise hue, but it should be noted that PR264 can often be replaced wholesale with similar colors, like PR178 or PR254, especially since it will mix similarly. Crucially, though, I like the hue better than the mixes or the alternatives, so this remains a favorite pigment of mine.
Comments
2 responses to “Mix Your Own Pyrrol Crimson Hue”
It’s my favorite single pigment red hue, so I’d rather have it on my palette than try and fail to mix it. Unfortunately some brands are not as pretty as your Holbein, but a smidgen of magenta can get it there.
I agree, I like PR264 a lot so ordinarily I wouldn’t be looking to replace it (this is probably why I was dissatisfied with everything). But, you know, it’s good to have options.