BLOCKX: The Jewel of Belgian Artistry
Slow-Ground Pigments & Ancient Traditions | Available at The Ink Spot NZ
A Heritage of No Compromise
Since 1865, five generations of the Blockx family have maintained a single philosophy: to produce the best artist colours in the world. Salvador Dalí himself wrote to Jacques Blockx, praising the brand's unique quality. Today, The Ink Spot is proud to offer these rare, handcrafted paints to New Zealand's elite artistic community.
🍯 Honey-Based Watercolours: Eternal Moisture
BLOCKX Watercolours are legendary for their creamy consistency. By using pure honey as a binder, these paints never fully harden on the palette, allowing for instant re-wetting and incredible flow.
Unrivalled Pigment Load
Blockx uses the maximum possible concentration of pigment. This results in vibrant, luminous washes that hold their intensity even when heavily diluted.
Traditional Stone Milling
Pigments are slow-ground on porphyry stone mills to ensure the particles are not overheated, preserving the natural brilliance of the colour index.
🎨 Artists' Oil Colours: The Spirit of the Old Masters
BLOCKX Oils are synonymous with "The Belgian School" of painting. Known for their buttery texture and exceptional lightfastness, these oils are made without any fillers or additives.
- Extra-Fine Pigments: Every oil colour is rated "7" or "8" on the Blue Wool Scale, ensuring maximum permanence under New Zealand’s high-UV conditions.
- Pure Binders: Blockx uses only the finest cold-pressed linseed oil or poppy seed oil, depending on the pigment's requirement, to prevent yellowing over time.
🔬 Technical Excellence
| Feature | The Blockx Standard |
|---|---|
| Permanence | Only the most lightfast pigments are selected. No fugative colours are allowed in the range. |
| Consistency | Extra-fine, smooth paste that blends effortlessly without the use of chemical dryers. |
| Series (1-5) | Reflects the scarcity of the earth or mineral pigments used, from iron oxides to rare Lapis Lazuli hues. |
Expert Guidance for BLOCKX
Q: Is BLOCKX suitable for beginners?
A: While BLOCKX is a professional-grade paint, its ease of re-wetting and smooth blending makes it a joy for anyone who values quality. It is particularly recommended for artists who find traditional pans too hard to work with.
Q: Why does honey matter in watercolour?
A: Honey is a natural humectant. In the dryer NZ summer months, it prevents your paints from cracking and ensures a brilliant, moist surface every time you open your palette.
Q: Where can I see a BLOCKX swatching chart?
A: Visit our Pukekohe boutique store. We have hand-painted swatches available so you can see the true depth of these Belgian pigments.
