Magenta

The magenta shade

Magenta is a deep purplish red that lies between red and violet. It holds a special place on a modeling palette: as a flat color over a whole model it is seldom used, but it is one of the most useful mixing shades there is. Adding it to red shifts the tone to a cooler place, with blue it produces violets and with white a whole range of pinks.

What it is suited to

Typically you reach for a small amount: to liven up the shadows in red areas, to fine-tune a tone that is hard to find among ready-made ranges, or to tone color transitions. The pigment is very strong, so dose it drop by drop and add it gradually. Try the mixed shade on an offcut or a piece of paper first, and only then carry it over to the model. It pays to note down the ratio in which you mixed the shade so that it can be repeated later.

Work tips

• stir the paint thoroughly before applying it so that the pigment is evenly distributed
• the thinner, the thinning ratio and the way to clean the tools are stated by the manufacturer on the packaging
• apply in thin coats, a thick coat will hide the relief of the surface
• judge the final tone only once it is dry, as the shade looks darker while wet
• remove any traces from a light palette at once, magenta stains strongly

Terms of supply

The magenta paint alone is supplied. Thinner, brushes, a palette and a clear coat are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.