Winsor & Newton: The Science and Art of Colour
The World's Finest Artist Materials | Authorised NZ Supplier
Established in 1832 by chemist William Winsor and artist Henry Newton, the brand has been at the forefront of colour innovation for nearly two centuries. As a holder of the Royal Warrant, Winsor & Newton is the global benchmark for pigment purity and archival performance. At The Ink Spot NZ, we bring this heritage to Auckland's artists, providing the tools needed to capture the unique light and landscape of New Zealand.
🌊 Watercolours: Transparency & Brilliance
Winsor & Newton watercolours are world-renowned for their exceptional transparency and permanence. Choosing the right range is essential for your technical requirements.
Professional Watercolour
Formulated with the purest pigments, this range is known for its brilliance and "flow." Each colour is uniquely formulated to optimise the natural characteristics of the pigment.
- Single Pigment Focus: 75 colours in the range are single-pigment, ensuring the cleanest possible mixes.
- Archival Quality: Rated AA or A for permanence, vital for the high-UV environment of NZ.
Cotman Watercolour
Designed for students and hobbyists, Cotman replaces costly pigments with high-quality "hues." It offers excellent workability at an accessible price point.
- Uniform Consistency: Easier to control for beginners than Professional grades.
- High Volume: Ideal for large-scale studies and art education.
🎨 Oil Colours: The Tradition of the Masters
From the buttery "Professional" line to the stiff, impasto-friendly "Winton," W&N oils are the standard for durability.
| Series | Characteristics | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Oil | Highest pigment load; individualised drying times for each pigment. | Fine art galleries, portraits, and professional commissions. |
| Winton Oil | Slightly stiffer texture; uniform drying time across the range. | Impasto techniques, high-volume painting, and student budgets. |
🔬 Technical Specifications: Deciphering the Tube
Understanding the coding on a Winsor & Newton tube allows you to predict how the paint will behave on your canvas or paper.
Series Numbers (1-4)
This indicates the relative cost of the raw pigment. Series 1 uses common earth pigments, while Series 4 contains rare minerals like Cobalt and Cadmium.
Permanence Ratings
AA: Extremely Permanent. Vital for NZ homes with high light exposure.
A: Permanent. Recommended for most fine art applications.
Opacity Symbols
Symbols indicate whether a paint is Transparent (empty square), Semi-Opaque, or Opaque (solid square). This is crucial for layering and glazing techniques.
🧪 Solvents & Mediums: Optimising Workflow
In the New Zealand climate, humidity and temperature can affect drying times. Winsor & Newton mediums are engineered to solve these challenges.
- Liquin Original: The most popular oil medium in NZ. It halves drying times and improves flow—essential for winter studio work.
- Sansodor: A low-odour solvent. Perfect for Auckland artists working in home studios or shared spaces where ventilation is limited.
- Watercolour Granulation Medium: Increases the mottled effect of pigments. Use this to capture the rugged, geological textures of the Southern Alps.
Professional FAQ
Q: Why should I choose Professional Watercolour over Cotman?
A: Professional Watercolours use the highest quality pigments, allowing for greater transparency and more vibrant color mixing. For serious work that you intend to sell or exhibit, the Professional range is the industry standard.
Q: Can I mix Cotman and Professional ranges?
A: Yes, they are fully compatible. Many artists use Cotman for "underpainting" and Professional grades for the final, brilliant top layers.
Q: Does The Ink Spot carry individual tubes or just sets?
A: We carry a comprehensive range of individual tubes (5ml, 14ml, 37ml) as well as curated sets at our Pukekohe store and online.
