• Watercolor painting with a handmade archival watercolor pan with elegant and vibrant label in watercolor paper in Kermes Lake, a rich crimson pigment made from the Kermes insect (Kermes vermilio), one of the earliest known sources of red dye in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Handcrafted with honey and gum arabic. Transparent and historically lightfast, ideal for manuscript illumination, medieval European palettes, and deep crimson glazes.
  • Kermes Lake Intense Red watercolor test card showing opacity over a black line, a dry brushstroke and a wet wash.
  • Watercolor swatch in Kermes Lake, a deep crimson historic pigment derived from the Kermes insect (Kermes vermilio), one of the earliest natural red dyes used in the Mediterranean and Middle East. This rich, handmade watercolor is crafted with honey and gum arabic, offering a transparent, lightfast red ideal for medieval manuscript painting, historical palettes, and traditional botanical illustration.
  • Handmade Morrow Archival watercolor swatch cards on a wooden table, left to right: Kermes Intense, Madder Lake Intense, Madder Lake Deep, Vermilion and Mars Red.
  • Handmade Morrow Archival watercolor swatch cards on a wooden table, left to right: Kermes Intense, Monascus, Kermes Medium, Kermes Light and Archil.
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Kermes Lake Intense Red Watercolor Paint

Kermes Lake Intense Red Watercolor Paint

$120.00
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Description

Kermes Lake Intense is our exquisitely hand crafted watercolor paint made with an extremely concentrated, high quality single source pigment. Every pan is meticulously hand mulled, filled, and labeled, using pure local honey, natural gum arabic, and a small amount of food grade sodium benzoate preservative to achieve a concentrated and richly textured pigment. Every paint is single pigment with maximum concentration and no fillers or extenders.

Kermes Lake Intense is a bold, captivating, pure red created from the genuine dye extracted from real kermes insects (Kermes vermilio) a time honored source used in historic art. This vivid color, is one of the rich reds found in ancient manuscripts and Renaissance masterpieces and delivers a saturated, radiant red with a naturally organic character. Its transparency and subtle granulating properties make it ideal for glazing, layering, and crafting emotionally charged, dramatic compositions. Perfect for artists who value historical authenticity and expressive depth, Kermes Lake Intense brings a truly natural and vibrant touch to your work.

Key Features

Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment.

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

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

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Organic lake pigment (real kermes dye)
Source: Extraction from kermes insects (Kermes vermilio)
Origin: Turkey (natural)
Lightfastness: Good
Opacity: Transparent with subtle granulation
Other Names: Kermes Carmine, Kermes Red, Natural Kermes, Crimson Lake
Color Index Code: NR3

Production Process

Our watercolors are carefully hand mulled and mixed with pure local honey and gum arabic, 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 through our historic processes.

Usage & Care

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.

Health and Safety

  • For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
  • Avoid skin contact and wash hands after use. Wipe brushes and palettes clean before rinsing, and never pour paint waste down drains. Do not spray apply, sand dried paint or burn.
  • If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
  • Safety Data Sheet available on request.