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Until the 18th century, artists used natural pigments derived from mineral or organic ingredients and mixed them with binders. But when Sorolla began to paint, he already had new products from the chemical industry, which were already prepared and packaged in metal tubes. This meant there was no need to mix them, and they could be transported and stored better, making them very suitable for painting outdoors.

However, Sorolla never stopped using traditional pigments, which he mixed with linseed oil to make oil paint.

The colours he used most often were lead white to add luminosity; vermilion, yellows, browns and oranges to give warmth; and blues for seascapes.