For artists by artists

The Gerrit Rietveld Academy is an independent, internationally oriented university of applied sciences for 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 lecturer at the academy since 1971, constantly immersing himself in paint making and the use of art materials.

In the beginning, Pieter Keune's classes focused on materials science and colour theory. In 1977, this expanded to include making acrylic paints. During the lessons much attention was paid to paint manufacture and recipes, the knowledge of materials and the development of aa very best colour palette. Pure pigments were used as the basis to ensure optimal colour mixing.

The paint was named Ara Acrylics (an acronym comprising for A Acrylic Paint - R Rietveld - A Academy). Paint production became a regular part of the activities and increased. The decision was taken to offer the acrylic paint in a ready to use format. Ara production was transferred to the small laboratory in the Warmoestraat in Amsterdam.

Ara Acrylics gained in popularity among artists in Amsterdam also outside the academy. The paint also became available outside the Rietveld Academy. Local Amsterdam shops started selling Ara. One of the first shops to include Ara in their assortment was Peter van Ginkel Art Supplies.

Ara's production increased and outgrew the location on Warmoestraat. The world-famous Dutch paint manufacturer Old Holland Classic Colours decided to take over Ara's production. The acquisition took place under the leadership of Edward de Beer, CEO of Old Holland. Since then, paint production has taken 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 was expanded and Ara's composition and recipe further improved under the leadership of Wim van der Zwan, Old Holland paint master and Edward de Beer, director of Old Holland. The Old Holland experts worked continuously to further develop the Ara range in the modern laboratory of Old Holland Classic Colours. Auxiliary products such as gesso's, binders, mediums and varnishes were introduced.

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Number of special colours were added to the standard 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 continued to grow and gained the recognition of international artists around the world. The distribution network expanded with representatives in Europe, America, Africa and Asia.

To be continued ....

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