Making Watercolor Paints From Plants
Class | Available
Instruction Medium: Watercolor
Have you ever been curious how your watercolor paint is made? Did you know you can turn plant matter into artist grade paint? If you answered yes, then this 5-week course is for you!
In this course you will learn recipes and techniques to turn plant matter into pigment, and then into watercolor paint. Everyone will leave this course with 4 different paints that they have created (a red, yellow, blue, and green)! Also, students will learn how lightfastness plays into these watercolors. After creating your watercolor paint, you’ll learn various techniques to create watercolor paintings.
Note: There will be a $10 fee for other class materials that will be paid to the instructor on the first day. This cost will cover additional supplies and materials that students will need in class.
- Muller:Look for one that has a base diameter between 3-4 inches. I also like to use one that has a taller handle and I personally use one of these: https://www.naturalpigments.com/glass-muller.html#glass-mullers . There is also the option to use other objects that can work like a muller: glass pickle weight or a small object with a perfectly flat bottom (glass candle sticks, metal coffee tampers, or similar objects).
- Mulling surface: You can use a glass or stone surface. Make sure it is thicker than 1/4 inch, has rounded corners and a sandblasted textured surface. I personally use the sandblasted version at: https://www.naturalpigments.com/glass-grinding-plate.html . If you source a smooth surface piece of glass it will need to abraded with silicon carbide before class.
- Mister
- Palette knife
- Measuring spoon*: Perferably a 1/2 tsp
- Object to store processed paint: Once you make the paint you will need somewhere to store the paint.
- There are a few different options: a paint palette (will need to have at least 4 separate wells), watercolor half pans, small seashells, small drink lids, or you can even store the paint on a piece of paper. Choose whatever feels comfortable to you!
- Protective gear: face mask
- Watercolor paint brushes
- Watercolor paper
- Container for holding water
- Paint palette with wells or ceramic plate for mixing paints
- Drawing pencils
- Erasers
- Paper towel or rag
- Notebook (taking notes)
*Please note that once you use these items for watercolor making you won’t be able to use them in the kitchen."