Image of an artist and then images of the different paint colors they created

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht.

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Creating Colors for Artists

Joe Gyurcsak talks about his work developing paints

Scholastic Art interviewed Joe Gyurcsak, who works in research and development for Utrecht, a company that makes paint. Part of Gyurcsak’s job is identifying and creating new colors. He collaborates with artists, chemists, and Utrecht’s marketing and manufacturing teams. Then he helps decide which new colors to offer artists, learns how to make them, and brings them to an art supply store near you.

Scholastic Art: What’s your process for creating new paint colors? 

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht.

Gyurcsak, shown in his studio, is also a painter. How do you think his work as an artist informs his work for Utrecht?

Joe Gyurcsak: Once I have an idea for a color, I figure out how to bring it to life. I might blend already developed colors or use pigments I’ve never worked with before. After I get the exact shade I’m looking for, I re-create the color in a more scientific way. I break it down into measurements working with a scale. The goal is to find a repeatable formula to give to Utrecht’s chemists so they can make a test batch. It takes many trials to get the formula right. Sometimes we send the new paint to artists to get feedback. Creating a new paint color can take anywhere from six months to a year.

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht

Part of Utrecht’s paint library is shown behind Gyurcsak in the photo above.

SA: How does color theory inform your work developing new paints?

JG: We consider three main factors when developing a color. The first is value, which is the lightness or darkness of the color. We also consider the intensity. A color can be vibrant and engaging, like a bright pink, or quieter and muted, like an earth tone. Color temperature is the final piece we consider. Color temperature is either warm or cool. A red can be warm if it leans more toward yellow on the color wheel, or cool if it leans more toward blue.

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht

Gyurcsak helped create Utrecht’s Cadmium-Free Artists’ Colors series.

SA: Is there a paint color you’re particularly proud of?

JG: One color in the oil line I am delighted to have taken part in creating is Plum Grey. I was inspired when I was painting a still life outdoors. When the light hit a plum, it had this purple-gray color and a velvety look. I realized the color could be useful to artists who paint outdoor scenes. Seven different pigments were required to get the color right. It is very rare to develop a color that complicated. The artist feedback has been very good. They tell me that Plum Grey helps them to make neutral colors either warm or cool.

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht

Gyurcsak developed this Plum Grey oil paint.

SA: Have you always wanted to work in the arts or a creative field?

JG: I enjoyed drawing from a young age, but I had a turning point in sixth grade. I was dyslexic and had difficulty reading and writing. My teacher asked me to create drawings instead of writing a report. I presented my work, and that was the first time I realized I wanted to pursue art.

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht

Gyurcsak tests the transparency of a selection of Utrecht acrylic paints.

SA: What art training did you receive?

JG: I was selected for a special visual arts program in high school. I received a scholarship to Parsons School of Design. I went there for a year and then transferred to the School of Visual Arts, where I studied illustration. I had an illustration job for four years, then I got a position at Utrecht. I've been with the company for 25 years.

Images courtesy of Blick/Utrecht

Compare the color temperature of each sample shown at right.

SA: Why is your job important?

JG: Color is a unique experience. It impacts all of our lives and can teach you a lot about yourself.

How To Become a RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

GETTING STARTED:
  • Research products that interest and inspire you.
  • Collaborate with friends who have different skill sets to build a portfolio of new and improved designs for one or more products.

 

EDUCATION:

  • Some research and development managers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business.

 

SALARY:

  • Research and development managers can earn $78,000 to $170,000 or more, depending on experience and location.

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