As, promised, the first ludicrously small sneak peek in the blue pigment project is revealed. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Blue! This pigment has a compelling history and is known for its clear blue beauty. A fabled mountainous vision of a cross-armed sleeping woman identifies the area near Globe, Arizona where the mines are located.
Good and Bad News
This coveted turquoise mineral, from which the pigment is made, is extremely popular especially for jewelry craftspeople. Native American cultures such as the Anasazi valued the stone and used it extensively in their crafts, trade, and religious observances.
In 2012 while on a road trip in the Southwest, we headed towards Globe to visit the mine’s shop intending to, at the very least, purchase a chunk of this precious mineral. I was familiar with this stunningly beautiful color that was at one time made and sold by Daniel Smith Art Supplies in Seattle, and I was resolved to learn more. My plans were thwarted as we drove in the parking lot. The entire operation was shut down because the mine was depleted.
Comparing Pigments to the Unfathomable Colors of the Oceans
While Supplies Last
In the intervening years, the mine was reopened to pull copper and gold and fortunately more turquoise was discovered. A small crew mines the mineral for commercial purposes, but it is unknown how long it will last, while many others have ceased operation. Because of the scarcity, the prices have of course skyrocketed. I have had a difficult time finding detailed information about the Daniel Smith Company. Further digging has unearthed information that they shut down during the pandemic. Some sources show this color is available in watercolor but that is sketchy too.
Fortuitous Move
After returning home from our disappointing trip to Globe, I immediately purchased two 150 ml tubes of D. Smith Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Oil Paint which I will be hoarding forever in case those mines shut down again.
I happily used some of my precious supply of this paint in the painting shown here in tiny detail. Because of its beauty, it is a delight to use. The big reveal soon! Spring Unveiling coming in May. Bronze Coast Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR.
Aloha, Margret, Your story of blue is not only educational, it reads like the script of an “Indiana Jones” adventure! I’m surprised you didn’t include the part about you and Dave secretly entering the mine to gather a few ounces of the precious ore! Please keep going!
Woohoo! That would be a great addition to the pigment story. I’ll be a little more daring and colorful with my words in my next post.
I searched Daniel Smith for this color but none there…
Yes, Marie, I also had difficulty finding information about this pigment. As I said, further research found information that the company struggled and then closed during the pandemic. Supposedly, the staff was kept on, and they remained open making paint not selling it. Their line is available on Dick Blick, but it looks like a limited color list. As for the sleeping beauty paint, I found incomplete information that it is available in watercolor. It must have been devastating for the company because at one time they were a thriving enterprise.
So looking forward to your “Blue” exhibit next month!
Thank you, Holly! It will be a fun unveiling for all the participating artists.