Dear Sketchbookers,
I can’t believe we’re on the third part of the month, and the time has come, and the list of ingredients to make your watercolors is here! Before we start with that, it occurred to me that the best way to explain to you how to make your own watercolors was to prepare a batch in a live meeting with Q&A. This session will take place on the 3rd of September at 8 pm CET. The link will be down below for the paid subscribers (and also on the E-book!).
Now, to the watercolors!
For all my subscribers, I made a basic list of materials that you need to start your watercolor-making journey:
1. Pigment:
What: 5g of one professional-grade pigment. Recommendation: Start with a forgiving, non-toxic earth pigment like Burnt Sienna (PBr7) or Yellow Ochre (PY43).
2. Binder:
2 Tbsp Gum Arabic powder + 3 Tbsp Distilled Water, stirred until clear.
3. Additives (Optional but Recommended):
Honey: 1-2 drops (for plasticity).
4. Tools:
Glass Plate: The key to have smooth paint.
A spoon
Empty half pans to pour the watercolors.
Respirator Mask (N95 or N99): Worn anytime you are handling dry pigments, especially toxic ones (Cadmiums, Cobalts, etc.). A simple dust mask is not sufficient.
5. Basic Instructions:
Mix: Combine 1 part pigment with 1 part gum arabic solution on your glass plate.
Mull: Use the spoon to mix the pigment and the binder in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes until the paste is smooth and has the consistency of toothpaste.
Adjust: If too thick, add a drop of water. If the mixture is too thin, add a pinch more pigment.
Store: Scoop the paint into your tube or jar.
Loved making your first color? Here is the link to download the beautiful E-book (The chemist palette) I have been preparing for the last weeks with all the tools, ingredients and the know-how on how to prepare watercolors! I will add also the link of our session inside. I will leave this link for a month for the paid subscribers, and I will offer it later on the webpage that I am currently building.
You are still not a paid subscriber? Here is your chance: