You can if you are happy that your work will be short lived. Without a doubt Alizarin Crimson is the most widely used violet-red and is to be found in many an artist's paint box. However, it is a colour which always fades when applied as a wash or when mixed with white. When applied heavily it takes on a very dark appearance and is prone to cracking.

I have replaced it in my range with Quinacrine Violet, a strong, vibrant, violet-red which is particularly transparent and light fast. It gives very clear, exceptionally bright violets with Ultramarine Blue. Violets mixed from Alizarin Crimson and Ultramarine Blue are dull in comparison. If you wish to imitate the colour of Alizarin Crimson, simply add a tiny touch of Phthalocyanine Green to the Quinacridone Violet. This will take the edge of the brightness.

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