Renaissance Mysteries Volume I: Natural Color

Volume I presents the artist as a painter-craftsman with the preparation of natural colour from rocks and crystals and their application in appropriate binding mediums. The difference in colour quality between natural mineral pigments and modern synthetic paint is examined. Chapters include comprehensive step-by-step instruction for the contemporary artist and conservation scientist on how to prepare and paint with the incomparably luminous colours of the Renaissance palette, as well as the preparation of historical painting supports and grounds. The natural colors are witnessing a re-birth among a small group of contemporary artists. There is still a lot of confusion surrounding methods of preparation and how to paint with these pigments. This book presents the results of the past thirty years of research and painting on a daily basis with these pigments as well as conclusions from aging tests carried out by museum conservation departments. The book covers the challenges of painting with natural pigments and how this differs from the modern synthetic colors whether in oil or acrylic binding mediums. British born artist Michael Price works exclusively with natural and mineral pigments which he prepares himself from rocks and crystals. He has exhibited in Germany, France, England, and the U.S. over the past forty years. His two-volume book Renaissance Mysteries was published by Kremer Pigments. He lives and works in Manhattan. Organized by the Department of Mathematics and Science, Pratt Institute. Reprint of the first edition from 2017.