Schmincke

Schmincke: German Excellence in Artist Colours Since 1881

Schmincke is renowned worldwide for its premium artist colours, from their popular Horadam watercolours to the traditional Mussini resin oil paints.

Founded in 1881 near Düsseldorf, Germany, by colour chemists Hermann Schmincke and Josef Horadam, the company was inspired by an Old Master recipe for resin-oil colours discovered in Florence. This method, based on formulations by art professor Cesare Mussini, distinguishes Mussini oils with a resin blend that enhances durability and luminosity. This set them apart from other oil paints of the time.

Over the years, Schmincke expanded its range, developing soft pastels, gouache, and high quality acrylics to serve artists across all mediums. The creation of the Norma Professional line made the same high standards accessible to a wider range of artists, while the Academy line offers affordable, high quality paints to beginner artists.

Schmincke’s brand legacy is one of innovation and dedication, continually upheld through its partnerships with other esteemed art manufacturers like Da Vinci and Hahnemühle.

Today, under Managing Director Nils Knappe, Schmincke continues its founders’ vision: crafting the finest artist colours, guided by the motto “MELIORA COGITO – I strive for the best.” With each generation, Schmincke has expanded its reach, sharing its commitment to quality and creativity with artists around the globe.

In this instalment of our In Conversation series, Markus Baumgart, Head of Sales and Marketing at Schmincke, spoke to us about the company’s history, how production is kept at such a consistently high level, and the importance of both tradition and innovation when it comes to making artist paints.

Go Behind the Brand with our visit to the Schmincke factory, where colour makers work to produce Mussini oil colour, Horadam watercolour, Primacryl acrylic, and a whole range of expertly produced art materials.