Cassel Earth

Description
Cassel Earth is our exquisitely hand-crafted watercolor paint made with an extremely concentrated and high quality single source pigment mixed only with pure honey. Every pan is meticulously hand mulled, hand packed, filled, and labeled — ensuring maximum pigment concentration without any binders, fillers, or extenders. Our unique formula uses only one pigment and pure local honey, delivering a maximally concentrated watercolor paint.

Cassel Earth, also known as Van Dyke Brown, is a deep, cool brown watercolor made from a single natural earth pigment with a rich artistic legacy. Traditionally sourced from organic-rich soil deposits containing iron and humic acids, this historic pigment has been used since the 17th century by artists like Anthony van Dyck for its intense darkness and subtle transparency. Cassel Earth has a slightly warm undertone and excellent layering capabilities, making it ideal for monochrome studies, shadow work, glazing, and classical portraiture. Its semi-transparent body and soft granulation create moody, atmospheric effects with a natural feel. This color is a must-have for artists seeking a historic, expressive brown with dramatic depth.

Key Features
Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment, chosen for its exceptional quality.

Handmade Artisanal Process: Crafted in small batches, our watercolors are hand mulled on a glass slab and hand packed to preserve the integrity of the pigment.

Maximum Pigment Load: Designed to provide maximum color saturation, our formula contains no artificial additives or fillers

Recommended Use: Best used with a gum arabic medium to achieve optimal reactivation and fluidity.

Pigment Information
Pigment Type: Natural organic earth pigment, rich in humic acids and iron oxide
Source: Lignite or peat-based earth
Origin: Italy
Lightfastness: Good 
Opacity: Semi-transparent with light granulation
Other Names: Van Dyke Brown, Cologne Earth, Kassel Earth
Color Index Code: NBr8

Production Process
Our watercolors are created with passion and precision. The pigment is carefully hand mulled and then mixed with pure local honey, ensuring an exceptionally concentrated and vibrant product. The entire process is carried out by hand—from mixing and mulling to filling and labeling—so you can be confident in the artisanal quality of every pan.

Usage & Care
For professional and consistent results, we recommend using a gum arabic medium. Please store in a secure area away from children and pets, and dispose of any waste in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with all local, state, and national regulations.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.