Payne's Grey Lapis

Description

Payne’s Grey Lapis is our unique variation of a natural ultramarine, made by carefully selecting and grinding the darkest, deepest-toned lapis lazuli stones, those with rich grey-blue to charcoal undertones rather than the bright royal blues traditionally associated with our Fra Angelico Lapis. These stones, often overlooked in pursuit of vivid ultramarine, yield a moody, atmospheric pigment with soft granulation and a complex, stormy hue reminiscent of the classical Payne’s Grey color, yet made entirely from natural stone with no black or synthetic additives.

This pigment produces a beautifully muted grey-blue with subtle violet undertones and a mineral shimmer unique to lazurite and pyrite inclusions. In watercolor, it flows with soft granulation and semi-transparency. In egg tempera or oil, it provides a muted elegance ideal for tonalist palettes, underpainting, stormy skies, and shadowed forms. It is prized by historical and naturalist painters for its subtlety and natural harmony with earth pigments and historical palettes.

History

While lapis lazuli has been known and revered for millennia, mined from the ancient deposits of Badakhshan and used in Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and European art, Payne’s Grey Lapis reflects a more nuanced, selective use of the stone. Historically, lighter and more vibrant blue lapis fragments were chosen for pigment, while darker pieces were discarded or reserved for inlay, mosaic, or ground for less brilliant grades.

This pigment reclaims those deep greyish stones, embracing their natural tone and complexity to create a unique, historically grounded color. While Payne’s Grey as a pigment was first formulated in the 18th century as a mix of blue and black, this natural variant provides a similar effect through stone alone, aligning with both the aesthetic and values of traditional mineral pigment use.

It is ideal for artists seeking depth without harsh blackening, and a cool neutral that pairs harmoniously with ochres, greens, and muted reds in naturalistic or moody compositions.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural mineral pigment from deep grey-toned lapis lazuli (lazurite)

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil, Acrylic, Fresco

Lightfastness: Excellent

Opacity: Semi-transparent to Semi-opaque with strong granulation

Other Names: Payne’s Lapis, Grey Ultramarine, Shadow Lapis

Color Index Code: PB29 (natural ultramarine variant)