St.Petersburg / Nevskaya Palitra

ST. PETERSBURG / NEVSKAYA PALITRA – Russian Artist Paints Since 1934

Nevskaya Palitra (Nevskaya Palette) is a Russian manufacturer of artist paints, founded in 1934 in St. Petersburg (Leningrad). Over nearly 90 years, it has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of artist paints in Eastern Europe.

History of the Nevskaya Palitra Brand

The company was founded in 1934 as a state-owned manufacturer of artist paints for Soviet artists. After 1991, it became a private company and began exporting worldwide under the Sonnet (student quality) and Master Class (professional quality) brands.

Nevskaya Palitra Products at ARTMiE

• St. Petersburg Watercolors (White Nights) – legendary watercolors of exceptional quality
• Master Class Oil Paints – professional quality, rich pigment
• Sonnet – student line (acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache)
• Acrylic Paints – Sonnet and Master Class

Why Nevskaya Palitra?

St. Petersburg White Nights watercolors are legendary among watercolorists, offering professional quality at a much lower price than Western European brands. Master Class oil paints are popular for their rich pigmentation and traditional recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between White Nights and Sonnet watercolors?

White Nights are professional paints with a high proportion of finely ground pigments and natural gum arabic, ensuring excellent lightfastness and transparency. Sonnet is a student line that uses synthetic binders and substitute pigments. These paints are more affordable and ideal for beginners learning layering techniques and how to mix shades.

Are Decola paints suitable for surfaces other than fabric?

Yes, Decola offers specialized paints for different materials. In addition to fabric paints, which are heat-set with an iron, the range includes acrylic paints for glass and ceramics that resist washing after baking in an oven. The brand also makes versatile acrylic paints suitable for wood, paper, or canvas, with excellent coverage and rich shades.

How should I use Master Class oil paints by Nevskaya Palitra?

These professional oil paints have a high pigment concentration and a buttery consistency. You can thin them with linseed oil or special oil painting mediums. They are ideal for wet-on-wet painting and layering. Thanks to their quality, they retain their color depth and form a durable, flexible film once dry.

Why do my White Nights watercolors crack after drying in the pans?

Cracking in pans is a natural occurrence with professional White Nights watercolors. It is caused by the high pigment content and minimal amount of fillers. If the paint cracks, its quality and properties are not affected. Simply dampen it lightly with clean water using a spray bottle or brush before painting, and the paint will regain its creamy consistency.

Which paints in the Nevskaya Palitra range are best for hobby projects?

For hobby projects, we recommend the Sonnet or Decola lines. Sonnet offers great value in watercolors and oils for more advanced beginners. If you decorate objects, Decola is the best choice thanks to its wide range of mediums for fabric, glass, and ceramics, which are user-friendly and require no complicated techniques.