Payne's Gray was created by the watercolorist William Payne, after whom the color is named, in the late 18th century. Little is known about Payne's life, and the color's origins are equally unknown. However, theories suggest that Payne created the color in an attempt to find a replacement for black when he taught watercolor, where black was the traditional color.

Since it is a composite color, many different recipes have existed over time.

Prof+'s Paynes gray is made from black, ultramarine and yellow ochre.

PB29, PBk9, PY43