Michael SkalkaMar 22, 20214 minIndian Yellow: A Bovine StoryOne would be remiss if the story of the popular 19th century pigment Indian Yellow were not told. A preface to this story is the...
Michael SkalkaMar 7, 20214 minThe Discovery of Thenard Blue (Cobalt Blue)A new series of essays on the science behind the origins of pigments. An hour and 40-minute drive from Paris will take you to the town of...
Michael SkalkaNov 17, 20202 minVermilionettes and Royal RedsIt is a humorous name for a group of colors. Vermilionettes and Royal Reds makes me think of the name of a big band from the 1930s. ...
Michael SkalkaNov 16, 20203 minWhat is a Buddle?Water and mined earth material is poured into the tank on the far left that overflows into the next tank. Lighter particles are carried...
Michael SkalkaNov 12, 20203 minThe Issue of Black:Interesting that we should start with the color that Webster's Dictionary describes as “the achromatic color of least lightness.” ...
Michael SkalkaApr 19, 20161 minThe Lead White PotDisplayed is a 19th century depiction of a pot that would contain a coil of lead that was destined to be exposed to acetic acid contained...