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Phthalo Green
#123524 · click to copy
Cool
HEX
#123524
RGB
18, 53, 36
CMYK
66%, 0%, 32%, 79%
Pigment
PG7
Lightfastness
Excellent (I) — among the most lightfast pigments available
Moods & Keywords
green
dark
deep
intense
vivid
modern
intense
modern
transparent
vivid
cool
green
intense
modern
transparent
vivid
cool
green
Pigment & Material
PG7
Synthetic
Copper phthalocyanine with chlorine atoms. Extraordinarily powerful — a tiny amount colours a large mass of paint.
Origin & History
Phthalocyanine pigments were discovered accidentally by Scottish Dyes Ltd in 1928 when a blue contaminant appeared in a chemical reaction vessel. By 1938, the green variant (chlorinated copper phthalocyanine) was developed. These pigments represent one of the most significant discoveries in pigment history — providing colours of extraordinary intensity, permanence, and non-toxicity.
Also Known As
Monastral Green
Helio Green
Phthalocyanine Green
Winsor Green
Psychology
Intense, deep, and slightly alien. Phthalo green has an otherworldly quality — it is too green to be natural. Its darkness and saturation give it a sense of depth without limit. Overuse creates a characteristic "phthalo green mistake" familiar to painting students — it takes over everything. Used sparingly, it is extraordinarily powerful.
In Culture
Phthalo green (and its blue sibling, phthalo blue) are the dominant pigments in industrial coatings, printing inks, and plastics. The vivid green of many sports fields, artificial turf, and commercial signage often derives from phthalo pigments. In the art world, phthalo green is simultaneously celebrated for its power and warned against for its tendency to dominate — the "Bob Ross green" association (from his television painting) made it culturally famous.
Natural Sources
No natural source — phthalocyanine pigments are entirely synthetic. PG7 (chlorinated copper phthalocyanine) was developed in 1938. The phthalocyanine molecule is a large aromatic ring structure with a copper atom at its centre — structurally related to haemoglobin and chlorophyll, though not derived from them.
Making It Yourself
Phthalo green is synthesised industrially — not available for home production.
Usage notes: phthalo green is extremely powerful — a tiny amount dominates any mixture.
Mix with raw sienna or burnt umber to produce earthy greens.
Mix with quinacridone red to produce rich, dark neutrals.
A useful rule: use phthalo green sparingly and always with a moderating colour.
Usage notes: phthalo green is extremely powerful — a tiny amount dominates any mixture.
Mix with raw sienna or burnt umber to produce earthy greens.
Mix with quinacridone red to produce rich, dark neutrals.
A useful rule: use phthalo green sparingly and always with a moderating colour.
Art Movements
Abstract Expressionism
Color Field Painting
Contemporary Art
Famous Works
Mark Rothko
green paintings
Helen Frankenthaler
soak-stain works
Frank Stella
hard-edge paintings
Available As
Winsor & Newton — Winsor Green (Blue Shade) (PG7)
Daniel Smith — Phthalo Green (Blue Shade) (PG7)
Golden — Phthalo Green (Blue Shade)
M. Graham — Phthalo Green
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Colour data compiled with AI. Spot an error or have more to add? Leave a Note — ekphra reviews and updates.
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