Making Watercolor Paint
Have you been seeing the trend in the art space of creating your own paint (watercolors, oils, etc.)? I’m not sure if it’s getting more popular or if I’m just so fascinated that I am seeing it everywhere and seeking it out. If you are not familiar, the world of creating pigments from the soil, minerals, and elements is a beautiful rich practice that I have deep-dived into completely.
You know that feeling when you’re learning something new and you immediately become obsessed? I do that a lot, lol! I enjoy learning about new things so much. I’ve always been fascinated with how things are made, and enjoy attempting to recreate something from the ground up. It really gives me a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that goes into quality projects.
A month or so ago I ago I came across Lauren Sauder’s website AND her book, “A Geology of Color”. I knew immediately this was something I wanted to learn more about. I devoured her book and everything else I could find on the internet. I’m now studying the geology of my region, and I’m mapping out places I want to look. I checked out state documents from the library and poured over old reports on the mineralogy of the area. I’ve found a few promising chunks of rocks, and I look forward to processing them and discovering the color within.
As I became inspired to try creating my own pigments, I realized it was a way to start incorporating a more intentional and meaningful process into my art. At about the same time I joined TikTok, and I started filming some of the things I was discovering. Here is a video of me mulling paint, a seriously satisfying and meditative activity. This is indigo, my absolute favorite color to use in my watercolors.
I really appreciate the process and the inspiration I get after mulling and mixing my own paint. Its grounding and meditative and truly such a therapeutic process.
If this is as intriguing to you as it is to me, you might be wondering where to get the supplies to do this? Check out Natural Earth Paint *. They have a “Watercolor Kit” that includes mineral pigments, gum arabic, the muller, surface to mix on, and a palette knife for mixing. This is definitely the best kit to start with as it has everything you need.
Let me know if you have tried this or would like to try it. I’m absolutely head over heels in love with this, and I am having so much fun!
*I purchased some of my supplies from them myself and loved them so much I partnered with them as an affiliate which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) to cover the costs of the free content I share. Thanks for your support!