Cobalt Blue Deep, which uses a distinct pigment from Cobalt Blue (PB28), is a highly granulating, purple-toned deep blue similar to French Ultramarine (PB29).
Color Spotlight: Cobalt Blue Deep (PB74)
violet blue
What’s the difference between Cobalt Blue and Ultramarine Blue?
Cobalt Blue is a bright middle blue, while Ultramarine Blue is more violet-toned. But Ultramarine Blue also comes in a range of shades, from a Green Shade that is almost identical to Cobalt Blue, to a more violet-toned (and usually more granulating) deep or French shade.
Color Spotlight: Ultramarine Blue (PB29)
Ultramarine Blue is a bright, bold, almost electric violet-blue that is almost always granulating. It typically comes in two flavors: regular and French. French Ultramarine (or sometimes “Ultramarine Deep”) is the more granulating and violet-toned, while the regular Ultramarine is moderately granulating and a bit more medium blue. Some brands also offer a Light Ultramarine or Ultramarine (Green Shade) on the other side of the spectrum.
Let’s start by looking at Da Vinci Ultramarine Blue, a balanced medium color, and then we’ll explore the French and Green shade options as well as other brands.
Color Spotlight: Indanthrone Blue (PB60)
Also known as Indanthrene, this is a deep, moody blue that gets very dark, perfect for night skies, shadows, and atmosphere!