Indigo Blue Watercolor Paint – Natural Indigo NB1 Pigment

Description

Rublev Colours Indigo watercolor paint is made with genuine natural indigo derived from Indigofera tinctoria, the legendary plant that gave rise to the deep blue hues of antiquity. Unlike most commercial indigo paints that use synthetic substitutes, this watercolor is crafted using traditional methods to produce a luminous, earthy blue that artists have cherished for millennia.

Our indigo watercolor offers a smoky, gray-blue tone with low chroma and excellent transparency. It produces soft, natural-looking shadows and atmospheric washes—ideal for landscape, botanical, and classical figure studies. It dries to a matte surface with subtle granulation.

Historical Background

Indigo has been used since ancient times across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In watercolor painting, indigo was often combined with other pigments such as madder lake and weld to create a full range of hues. This indigo watercolor continues that tradition using the same plant-based pigment.

Natural vs Synthetic Indigo

This paint is made from natural indigo pigment (Colour Index NB1), which differs from most synthetic indigo (Colour Index PB66) paints. Natural indigo offers more nuanced transparency and gentle undertones, making it ideal for artists seeking authenticity in historical palettes.

Permanence and Handling

Natural indigo has moderate lightfastness and is best suited for use in areas protected from direct sunlight. It is suitable for both wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques. While it has a lower tinting strength than modern blues, it rewards subtle layering and careful glazing.

About Rublev Colours Watercolors

Rublev Colours watercolors are formulated with pigment and minimal additives to maintain the genuine character of each color. Each batch is handcrafted in small quantities to ensure quality and consistency for professional artists and conservators.