Mixing a Similar Color

Substitute for Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold

Creating an alternative…

As many of you might have heard, Golden has discontinued their Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold acrylic paint. This vibrant, transparent color has been a staple for many artists, offering a unique warmth and depth that is difficult to replicate. While this news is certainly disappointing, there's good news: with some mixing, we can create a similar hue using other readily available colors.

Why Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold?

Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold is prized for its versatility and richness. It's a warm, transparent golden yellow with a slightly reddish undertone. It's particularly valued for glazing and creating luminous effects in paintings. Losing this color from the Golden lineup is a significant change, but we can adapt.

We must combine a few pigments to achieve a color close to Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold. We have found two different approaches to accomplish this excellent color. Here's the first suggested formula to get you started.

We must combine a few pigments to achieve a color close to Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold. We have found two different approaches to accomplish this excellent color. Here's the first suggested formula to get you started.

Recipe No. 1

Ingredients:

• Quinacridone Magenta (PR122)
• Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide (PY42)
• Hansa Yellow Medium (PY74)

Mixing Instructions:

• 1. Base Color: Start with a small amount of Quinacridone Magenta. This pigment will provide the reddish undertone characteristic of Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold.
• 2. Adjust the Warmth: Add Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide to introduce the golden yellow hue. This pigment helps achieve the warm, earthy quality of the original color.
• 3. Enhance the Brightness: Introduce Hansa Yellow Medium to slightly brighten the mix. This step is crucial for achieving the vibrant, luminous quality of Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold.
• 4. Fine-tuning: Adjust the ratios to your preference, testing on a swatch until you achieve the desired hue and transparency.

Recipe No. 2

Ingredients:

• Transparent Red Iron Oxide (4 Parts)
• Nickel Azo Yellow (1 Part)

Mixing Instructions:

Use the “Fluid” versions of these paints because this is used as a glaze to tint your painting. Here is a video from Golden's website: https://goldenartistcolors.com/videos/color-mixture-for-discontinued-quinacridone-nickel-azo-gold

Golden has a virtual color-mixing palette: https://www.goldenpaints.com/mixer

This is an interesting tool, but there is nothing like having your own “Quintessential Color Mixing Journal.” With this “tool,” you can create recipes for the various colors you need and want. Be sure to check it out.

Tips for Success:

• Glazing Medium: Use a glazing medium to maintain transparency if needed.
• Small Batches: Mix in small batches to avoid waste and allow for easy adjustments.
• Testing: Test your mixture under different lighting conditions to ensure it matches the intended look.

Final Thoughts

While the discontinuation of Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold is unfortunate, it also presents an opportunity to explore and experiment with color mixing. By understanding the pigments' properties, you can create a substitute that works for your artistic needs. Happy painting, and remember, sometimes the best discoveries come from experimentation!

Ginger Cook
Professional Acrylic Artist and Educator of Acrylic Painting