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jyotsna

Handmade Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Japanese Knotweed: A Potential Natural Dye and Pigment Source

22nd February 2024

Not long ago, I ventured out to forage for Japanese Knotweed roots, a perfect endeavour on a chilly day as I sought respite from sports and craved exploration amidst the cold, grey winter landscape. While I had previously experimented with extracting colors from the leaves and stems of Japanese Knotweed during summers, my curiosity was piqued after delving into some research articles. This time, I was eager to dig deeper, quite literally, and uncover the potential for color extraction from…

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Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

A Guide to Color Mixing With Natural Pigments

26th January 2024

Welcome to my latest blog where we’ll embark on the fascinating journey of mixing primary colors, focusing on the enchanting realm of earth pigments such as red, yellow, and blue ochres. For many watercolor artists, this process can be both a source of frustration and delight. Surprisingly, some artists steer clear of this aspect, missing out on the joyous exploration that color mixing can bring to their art. If you haven’t delved into this realm yet, rest assured – it’s…

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Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Foraging Natural Pigments in the Crisp Winter Season!

15th January 2024

In the winter season here in the Northern Hemisphere, where the plant life is dormant, nature unveils a serene and peaceful beauty. While some may be reluctant to venture out in the cold and gray, if, like me, you have a fondness for the outdoors regardless of the season, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover numerous plant sources. These can be harnessed to create beautiful, long-lasting Natural Inks and, perhaps, Botanical Pigments. Within this article, I am divulging some…

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Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Understanding the Chemistry of Plant Pigments

24th November 2023

Each season unfurls its own unique palette of colors, showcasing nature’s ever-changing artistry. As the autumn season unfolds, the surroundings have turned into a canvas adorned with vibrant hues. There was a time when I simply marveled at the transition of colors from season to season without much thought about the chemistry of plant pigments. It changed, however, when I discovered the exciting realm of creating my own natural pigments and inks, with plants playing an important role. I initially…

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Handmade Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

DIY Watercolor and Gouache Paints with Cornstarch

10th October 2023

Explore the art of crafting watercolor paints with readily available kitchen staples. Introduction Watercolor painting is a beautiful and expressive type of art that captures your imagination. However, high-quality artist-grade watercolor paints can be quite costly, making them an aspiration that’s challenging to attain for many, especially in regions where art supplies are scarce or economic conditions are modest. The Spark of Inspiration The inspiration for my cost-effective watercolor paint recipe was sparked by the narrative of one of my…

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For children Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Natural ‘Crayons’ !

6th September 2023

Discover a unique and unconventional art technique: using flowers as crayons. Explore how nature’s palette can add vibrancy to your creative projects. In the realm of artistic expression, innovation often emerges from the most unexpected sources. In this article, we explore a unique and vibrant way to create art using the pigmented wonders of nature: flower petals as crayons. This delightful project is not only a feast for the eyes but also a fantastic activity for children, offering a safe…

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Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks Painting & Sketching

Lake Pigments vs. Natural Dyeing

31st July 2023

In the realm of color creations, two captivating worlds stand apart: the intricate process of making lake pigments and the age-old practice of natural dyeing. While both methods embrace the wonders of natural materials, they diverge significantly in purpose, techniques, and end products. In this blog post, we delve into the intriguing differences between the lake pigment-making process and natural dyeing, shedding light on their unique characteristics and creative possibilities. The Complexity of Lake Pigment Production The process of lake…

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