The 15th century represents an important transition in art history, as oil paints gradually replaced egg-based tempera paints as the painting medium of choice. During the transition period, artists ...

Editor’s Note: David Coles is the founder and head paint-maker of Langridge Artist Colours. This is an edited extract from “Chromatopia: An Illustrated History of Color,” published by Thames & Hudson.

I once asked an artist I know what he did about varnishing his oil paintings. I had read about "varnishing day" at the great salon exhibits in Paris in the 19th century and wondered what it was like ...