As we know, there are many unique colors in pearlescent pigments.

The variety of visual effects, such as elegant luster, colors reminiscent of nature, and artificial hue, make them one of the pigments that attract not only painters, designers, and other expressive artists, but also including all the people involved in making products.

In this article, we will be talking about "Iriodin," which has the widest range of colors and the most varied choices among the effect pigments available at PIGMENT TOKYO.

Iriodin is a pigment composed of thin sheet-like natural mica, covered with a layer of metal oxides. It’s more than 30 color grades range from smooth shades to those with strong brightness and light polarization, giving a wide range of visual effects.

Basic pearlescent colors such as gold and silver are highly versatile and familiar with us, but colors created from the unique luster and brilliance of the effect pigments have different appeals than Iwa-enogu (mineral pigments).

For example, I chose Scarab Red this time.

In its particle form, the pigment looks reddish, but when mixed with medium and water, a bluish-green and crimson color appears.

【Pigment】

・Iriodin 9507 Scarab Red

【Medium】

・Gum Arabic

【Painting Surface】

・Bamboo Washi for Suibokuga (Japanese Ink Painting) - applied on the reverse side

As the name implies, like scarabs, a type of beetle, the pigment changes depending on how it is exposed to light. Moreover, the unique ability to show both colors in gradation from opposite sides of the color ring is one of the main attractions of this pigment.

The picture below shows when Scarab Red was applied on black paper.

【Pigment】

・Iriodin 9507 Scarab Red

【Medium】

・Gum Arabic

【Painting Surface】

・Black Torinoko Paper

The Scarab Red shows visual changes with slight differences in light and tilt, so I tried painting it with a random touch on a larger surface. You can see the difference in the effect depending on the thickness of the paint, the intensity of the light and the angle.

Next, I will show you the same red color, but the pigment itself is in a pearl tone.

The pigment, Rutile Red Pearl, looks more of a yellowish and pinkish ivory white in its particle form. Even when mixed with medium and water, there’s no significant change can be seen.

【Pigment】

・Iriodin 215 Rutile Red Pearl

【Medium】

・Gum Arabic

【Painting Surface】

・Bamboo Washi for Suibokuga (Japanese Ink Painting) - applied on the reverse side

Rutile Red Pearl does not have the visual effect of a wide range of hues like Scarab Red, but instead, it is more of a calm and elegant pearlescent pink. It looks softer and more natural, like natural mica.

This time, I applied it on the reverse side of Bamboo Washi for Suibokuga to see the color on the white surface.

The reason for me to do this is that the reverse side of Bamboo Washi paper is smoother, so when we painted the effect pigments, the surface where it was applied won’t be swelling too much, making it easier to see the special effect. However, if you apply the pigment on the front surface, it may be more swollen than the reverse side, although the effect differs depending on the pigment.

Effect pigments are easier to apply and produce prettier glitter on mirror-like materials and smooth paper surfaces, but don’t forget to try the effect pigments on different painting surfaces with different kinds of characteristics until you find the one that matches your art style the most!

The picture below shows when Rutile Red Pearl was applied on black paper.

【Pigment】

・Iriodin 215 Rutile Red Pearl

【Medium】

・Gum Arabic

【Painting Surface】

・Black Torinoko Paper

When Rutile Red Pearl applied to a black background, a vivid pink appeared. As with Scarab Red, the color varies depending on the intensity of the light, the angle of illumination, and how it was shown and viewed. For example, a soft pearlescent pink could be seen when the pigment applied to a white background.

Even with the same Iriodin pigment, the way it is affected by light differs depending on the color, ranging from vivid to subdued polarized colors.

This time, I also tried applying the Scarab Red to a transparent painting surface as well.

In the following image, you can see the differences from Scarab Red’s visual effect, on an acrylic board, a gold and black panel.

【Pigment】

・Iriodin 9507 Scarab Red (one coat only)

【Medium】

・Acrylic Emulsion

【Painting Surface】

・Acrylic Board (clear)

【Acrylic Board on top of a Piece of Panel】

・Black Torinoko Paper / Metal Leaf (gold)

Both painting surfaces are exposed to light from the left-hand side. The one with the golden panel under the clear acrylic board is reflected by the light because of the metal leaf.

You can see the slight difference in color between the two parts of the painting, probably due to the different light transmission depending on the thickness of the pigment.

The image above is just an example, but you can also combine effect pigments with other colors on different painting surfaces by taking advantage of their respective characteristics. You can also use them to create your own style by using the difference in transmitted light and the effect pigment as the main color material, a final touch, or use them as a painting ground with extender pigments.

And in this article, I used two different kinds of mediums depending on the painting surface.

For more information on Iriodin pigments other than those mentioned, please refer to the links below.

【Iriodin】

For those who are interested in reading more articles about effect pigments, here are some previous FEATURES we have on PIGMENT TOKYO.

[FEATURES] Light × Color - CHROMASHINE -

[FEATURES] White × Light × Black - EFFECT PIGMENT-

In addition to the features I have demonstrated above, there is still a lot of hidden potential in effect pigments for you to discover! A world made up of light and color gives you a whole new sense of drawing expression.