For artists by artists

The Gerrit Rietveld Academy is an independent, internationally oriented college of Fine Arts and Design in Amsterdam. One of the founders of the Academy is Pieter Keune, professor of chemistry and philosophy. Pieter Keune has been working as a teacher at the Academy since 1971, constantly immersing himself in paint making and the use of art materials.

In the beginning, Pieter Keune's classes focus on materials science and colour theory. In 1977, this is expanded to include acrylic paint making. During the lessons much attention is paid to paint manufacture and recipes, the knowledge of materials and the development of an optimal color palette. Pure pigments are used as the basis to ensure optimal colour mixing.

The paint is named Ara Acrylics (short for A Acrylic Paint - R Rietveld - A Academy). The production of the paint becomes a regular part of the activities and increases. It is decided to offer the acrylic paint ready to use. The production of Ara is transferred to the small laboratory in the Warmoestraat in Amsterdam.

Ara Acrylics is becoming popular among artists in Amsterdam also outside the academy. The paint is also becoming available outside the Rietveld Academy. Local Amsterdam stores start selling Ara. One of the first stores to include Ara in their assortment is Peter van Ginkel Art Supplies.

Ara's production grows and the location on Warmoestraat becomes too small. The world-famous Dutch paint manufacturer Old Holland Classic Colours decides to take over Ara's production. The takeover takes place under the leadership of Edward de Beer, CEO of Old Holland. Since then, paint production takes place in Old Holland's modern production facility in Driebergen, the Netherlands, according to Old Holland's high quality standards.

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After the takeover, the colour palette will be expanded and Ara's composition and recipe will be further improved under the leadership of Wim van der Zwan, paint master of Old Holland and Edward de Beer, director of Old Holland. The Old Holland experts work continuously to further develop the Ara range in the modern laboratory of Old Holland Classic Colours. Tools such as gesso's, binders, mediums and varnishes are being introduced.

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Added to the standard colours are a number of special colours: metallic, pearl, neon, iridescent, carborundum, and graphite colours. With Ara's special colours, you can do anything as an artist.

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The Ara Acrylics paint brand is growing and gaining the recognition of international artists from around the world. The distribution network is expanding with representatives in Europe, America, Africa and Asia.

To be continued ....

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