Wallace Seymour Artist Acrylics Series 2 covers the earth colours, mixed pigment colours, and a selection of more complex formulations that sit above the standard synthetic pigments of Series 1 in terms of raw material cost. For many painters — particularly those working in landscape, portraiture, or any subject that relies on naturalistic, grounded colour — Series 2 is where the most reach-for colours live.
Earth colours are where Wallace Seymour's approach shows most clearly. Made in small batches using pigments selected for quality and origin rather than commercial convenience, the earth tones in Series 2 have a richness, warmth, and subtle variation that mass-produced earth colours rarely match. Some of the earths in the range are sourced from specific quarries and processed in-house — they carry a genuine physical character that synthetic alternatives simply cannot replicate.
The paint formulation is identical to the rest of the range — the same high-pigment, soft gel consistency using Wallace Seymour's specially developed acrylic resin, the same slightly extended drying time of 30 to 40 minutes for a thin film, and the same satin-gloss finish when applied neat. Series 2 colours mix cleanly with Series 1 and Series 3 and with all standard acrylic paints and mediums.
At £11.80 per 60ml tube, Series 2 represents outstanding value for a genuinely artist grade earth palette. For painters who use earth colours heavily — Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, and their counterparts across the range — the quality difference over student grade or even mid-range commercial acrylics is immediately and permanently noticeable.
Frequently asked questions
What types of colours are in Series 2? Series 2 covers earth colours, mixed pigment colours, and formulations that use pigments of moderate cost above the standard synthetics in Series 1. This includes the warm and cool earth tones that form the working backbone of most naturalistic palettes — Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, and related colours — alongside a selection of more complex mixed colours.
Why are the earth colours in Wallace Seymour Series 2 better than mainstream earth colours? Because they are made with pigments chosen for quality rather than commercial efficiency, processed in small batches without fillers or extenders. Some of the earth pigments in the range are sourced from specific quarries and carry a genuine mineral character — subtle granulation, warmth of tone, and depth — that synthetic or cheaply sourced earth pigments cannot reproduce. The difference is most apparent in mixes, where high-quality earth colours produce clean, naturalistic neutrals rather than the slightly deadened results that low-quality earths often give.
Can I use Series 2 alongside my existing acrylic paints? Yes. Wallace Seymour acrylics are fully compatible with all standard acrylic paints and mediums. Many painters use Wallace Seymour earth colours alongside other brands on the same palette, introducing the range selectively rather than switching entirely.
Is the consistency the same as Series 1? Yes — the formulation across the range is consistent. All three series use the same specially developed acrylic resin in a soft gel consistency. The series designation reflects the cost of the pigment, not any difference in the paint's physical properties or handling characteristics.
Are Series 2 colours suitable for alla prima painting? Yes. The slightly extended open time — typically 30 to 40 minutes for a thin film — makes Wallace Seymour acrylics more forgiving for alla prima and wet-into-wet approaches than faster-drying standard acrylics. Adding a small amount of retarder medium extends this further.
What is the best way to store unused paint between sessions? Keep tubes tightly capped. If you have mixed paint left on a palette, cover with cling film or use a stay-wet palette to keep it workable. Do not add water to paint already in the tube and store, as this can cause the paste to deteriorate. Properly stored, tubes have a long shelf life.
Do the earth colours granulate like watercolour earths? Not in the same way — granulation in acrylic is not as pronounced as in watercolour because the acrylic resin binds the pigment more firmly to the surface. However, the natural mineral character of the higher-quality earth pigments does produce subtle texture and tonal variation in washes that cheaper, more synthetic earths do not, particularly on textured surfaces.
