Earth Pigment Watercolor
The original paint — colored dirt and tree sap.
Crush colorful dirt or soft rock to powder, then mix with honey and gum arabic.
- ▸The pigment is just finely ground dirt — that's what most paint always was.
- ▸Gum arabic glues it to paper. Honey keeps the cake from cracking.
- ▸Different dirts give different colors: yellow-ochre, red-iron, brown-umber.
Steps
- 01
Dry the soil completely, then crush to fine powder with mortar and pestle.
- 02
Sift through fine cloth or stocking to remove grit.
- 03
Mull the powder on a flat tile with a few drops of water until silky.
- 04
Mix in gum arabic + honey binder, a little at a time, until paint flows from a brush.
- 05
Spoon into half-pans and let dry. Re-wet to use.
Materials4
- — A handful of colorful soil, clay, or crushed soft rock
- — Mortar and pestle
- — Fine sieve or stocking
- — 1 part gum arabic + 1 part honey + 4 parts water
Safety
Involves dust, mild chemistry, sharp tools, or solvents. Use PPE and ventilate.
- Airborne dust — respiratory irritant
- ☐Wear an N95 / FFP2 mask when handling dry powders
- ☐Mix in a tray to contain dust; wipe surfaces wet
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Honey keeps the pan flexible; gum arabic binds it to paper. Iron-rich red clay gives the best reds.