Williamsburg

Williamsburg Handmade Oil Colour: A Legacy of Artisan Paints

Williamsburg Handmade Oil Colours was founded in the mid-1980s by artist Carl Plansky, who began making oil paints in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood.

Carl’s initial operation, inspired by traditional European recipes and methods, soon grew as his fellow artists sought the rich, handmade quality of his paints. Starting with a small milling machine gifted by artist Milton Resnick, Carl's production expanded and moved to Oneonta, New York. There it evolved into a full-scale operation while preserving the craftsmanship that first defined his paintmaking.

Carl’s dedication to exceptional pigments led him to search globally for the finest raw materials. He frequently studied and purchased colours from historic French houses that had once supplied Monet, Matisse, and Cézanne.

His unique approach enhanced each pigment’s natural qualities: some Williamsburg colours feel slightly gritty to allow light to reflect beautifully, while others are smooth and creamy. A meticulous manufacturing process ensures each pigment is ground in small, five-gallon batches using premium, pH-balanced linseed oil, giving total control over texture and luminosity.

Following Carl's passing in 2009, his legacy continued under the leadership of his sister Beverly Plansky. In 2010, Golden took over production, ensuring Carl’s vision of vibrant, traditional oil paints would endure.

Offering a unique blend of historical craftsmanship and modern technological excellence, Williamsburg Handmade Oil Colours remains a favourite for artists worldwide.