Opaque and transparent pigments in oil painting

This masterclass demonstrates the differences between opaque and transparent oil colours, using a palette of primaries that includes an example of each. The colours used are Cadmium Yellow, Transparent Yellow, Cadmium Red, Permanent Rose, Cerulean Blue and Ultramarine Blue. The qualities of each paint are demonstrated by pulling them down a white board and across a solid black line to clearly show the distinction in coverage between the opaque and transparent paints. The opaque colour obliterates the black whereas the transparent colour allows it to show through.

Video transcript

I'm going to use a basic palette of cool and warm primaries and in each of the colours an opaque and transparent version. From this palette I'm going to start with cadmium yellow, which you can see is a really nice strong opaque warm yellow. And pulling down on the transparent yellow you can see that it allows the black to show through, which would make it really good for glazing. With the cadmium red, unlike the cadmium yellow, it’s completely opaque. Whereas the permanent rose you can see it allows the dark and the light to show through and again would be a really good colour to use when glazing. The cerulean blue like the cadmiums has a really strong opacity, a really nice heavy, solid colour that doesn't allow the light or the darks to shine through. Whereas the ultramarine blue allows the light and the dark to show through making it an excellent colour for glazing. I hope this insight will give you a greater understanding of your palettes and acquainting yourself with opaque and transparent pigments.