Watercolour paints: an easy how-to guide
Create Your Own Natural Watercolour Pigments: A Zurich Guide to Handcrafted Paints
Have you ever fancied making your own watercolour paints from scratch? Natural watercolour pigments aren't just a trendy craft pursuit—they're part of an artistic tradition spanning thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to medieval manuscript illuminators and Renaissance masters, artists have long harnessed the raw materials of the earth to create magnificent works. Here in Zurich, we're keeping this tradition alive with a modern twist. In this guide, we'll walk you through the delightful process of crafting your own watercolours using natural pigments, with a slight sprinkling of fascinating historical tidbits along the way.
Why Natural Watercolour Pigments Will Transform Your Artistic Practice
There's something rather magical about transforming raw earth, plants, or minerals into luminous paints. While those convenient tubes and pans from the art shop certainly have their place, handmade watercolours offer a different sort of relationship with your materials - one that's more intimate, mindful, and connected to artistic traditions.
The Charm of Authentic Colour
Modern commercial watercolours often contain synthetic additives that can unfortunately dampen the natural brilliance of pigments. When you craft your own paints, you have complete control over every aspect - ingredients, texture, and finish which results in colours that feel genuinely personal and uniquely vivid. The subtle variations in each batch become part of your artistic signature and it also just feels great to do stuff with your hands.
A Greener Approach to Art-Making
By creating your own watercolours with natural pigments, you're opting for a more environmentally conscious approach to your practice. These natural materials are biodegradable, and when combined with plant-based binders like gum arabic (tapped from acacia trees), you're essentially working with nature's palette in its rawest form.
Reconnecting with Your Materials
In our modern world, we've become rather detached from how things are made, haven't we? There's profound satisfaction in gathering pigments and preparing them in your kitchen (or artists studio.) This hands-on process fosters a deeper appreciation for the resources that make art possible - something we often take for granted of have found ourselves detached from when simply unscrewing a tube of paint.
The Fascinating History of Natural Watercolour Pigments in Europe
Switzerland (where the Zurich Art Club is based) and its neighbouring regions have a rich history with natural pigments. The Alpine landscape provided artists with an abundance of mineral deposits that could be ground into vivid colours. In medieval Zurich, artists and monks would collect materials from the surrounding countryside to create their paints for manuscripts and frescoes.
The Swiss Connection to Pigment Production
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Switzerland became known for certain high-quality natural pigments, particularly those derived from its mineral-rich mountain regions. These pigments were traded throughout Europe, contributing to the country's reputation for craftsmanship and quality materials.
The Zurich Guild Tradition
Zurich's strong guild tradition included colour-makers who specialized in producing reliable, consistent pigments for artists. These craftspeople held closely guarded recipes and techniques, passing them down through generations. At the Zurich Art Club, we're proud to continue this heritage of craftsmanship in our workshops.
Gum Arabic: The Magical Binder Behind Watercolour Paints
No conversation about watercolour paint is complete without discussing gum arabic - the remarkable substance that binds pigments together. Harvested from acacia trees in sub-Saharan Africa, this natural resin has a surprisingly colourful backstory. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain and France fought fiercely for control of "the gum coast" - including Senegal - because this sticky substance was essential for a plethora of industries ranging from textiles to printing.
A Colonial Resource Battle
Between 1758 and 1817, control of Senegal bounced back and forth between French and British powers, largely due to the incredibly lucrative gum arabic trade. This resin was indispensable for printing, calligraphy, medicine, and - most importantly for our purposes - art. Colonial powers established trade systems that shaped regional economies for centuries, all because of this natural binding agent.
Why Artists Still Treasure Gum Arabic
For watercolourists, gum arabic remains absolutely indispensable:
It dissolves beautifully in water and dries to a smooth, subtly glossy finish
It allows pigments to spread with that characteristic watercolour flow across paper
By slowing evaporation slightly, it gives artists more flexibility to blend or lift colour
It creates a robust paint film that ensures your artwork will stand the test of time
Even in today's world of synthetic art materials, gum arabic remains the gold standard for natural watercolour binders - a testament to the fact that sometimes traditional methods simply cannot be improved upon.
Discovering Natural Watercolour Pigments in Zurich's Surroundings
Switzerland's geographical diversity offers a wealth of potential pigment sources. When we host our natural pigment workshops at the Zurich Art Club, participants are often amazed by the variety of colours that can be sourced locally or from traditional European suppliers. Here are some of our personal favourites:
Earth-Based Colours from European Traditions
Ocker Rot Französisch (French Red Ochre): Rich in iron oxide, this warm red has adorned cave walls since prehistoric times. The finest varieties come from quarries in central France, but similar deposits can be found throughout the Alpine region that borders Switzerland.
Goldocker hell (Light Yellow Ochre): A classic pigment that would have been familiar to artists in ancient Egypt and Greece, with excellent varieties found in parts of Switzerland and Germany.
Umbra Natur Cyprisch (Cypriot Raw Umber): A natural clay containing iron and manganese oxides, perfect for creating subtle browns and shadow mixes. While traditionally from Cyprus, similar earthy pigments can be sourced from various European locations.
Plant and Mineral-Based Hues
Indigo: Derived from Indigofera plants through a fascinating fermentation process, this deep blue has shaped trade routes and economies. While not native to Switzerland, its historical importance makes it a fascinating addition to any natural pigment collection.
Azure Blau (Azure Blue): Historically derived from azurite, this blue pigment has adorned countless European artworks. Modern natural versions might use various minerals or plant extracts.
Zinkweiß (Zinc White): A non-toxic alternative to traditional lead white, offering cooler, more transparent highlights. This became particularly important in 19th century European painting.
Curious about exploring these pigments in a hands-on setting? Our weekend workshops at the Zurich Art Club provide all materials and expert guidance. They're perfect for both beginners and experienced artists looking to expand their colour knowledge.
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Own Natural Watercolour Pigments at Home
Now for the enjoyable bit! Here's a straightforward method for making your own watercolours at home. Gather your materials, prepare your space, and be ready to get a bit messy - that's all part of the fun!
Preparing Your Workspace
Begin by covering your surfaces with newspaper or an old cloth (pigments can stain quite stubbornly). Have small glass or ceramic mixing bowls ready, and ensure you have good ventilation or make sure to wear a mask, particularly when working with mineral pigments.
Measuring and Preparing Your Pigments
Scoop a small amount of your chosen pigment into a bowl (start with about a teaspoon)
Break up any lumps using a mortar and pestle, the back of a spoon or palette knife
The finer and more consistent your powder, the smoother your final paint will be
Creating the Perfect Gum Arabic Solution
In a separate container, blend gum arabic crystals (or liquid gum arabic - which is the quicker pre-prepared alternative) with warm water to form a syrupy solution
A good starting ratio is 1 part gum arabic to 2 parts water
Allow it to dissolve completely - this may take some time, but patience is key, if wanting to store for the next day, do so in your fridge.
Mixing Your Paint
Slowly add your gum arabic solution to the pigment, stirring gently
Aim for a honey-like consistency (if too stiff, add more solution; if too runny, add more pigment)
For smoother paint, continue grinding the mixture with your pestle
Optional Additives for Better Performance
Glycerin: A drop or two helps with moisture retention and prevents your paint from drying too brittle
Essential Oil (like clove or thyme): Acts as a natural preservative to prevent mould growth -particularly useful if you plan to store your paints for longer periods
Testing and Adjusting Your Paint
Dip a brush in your mixture and create a small test swatch on watercolour paper. Observe the flow, colour intensity, and transparency. This is the moment to adjust the ratio of gum arabic or water to achieve your preferred painting properties.
Storing Your Handmade Watercolours
Pour your finished mixture into small airtight containers or empty half-pans if you want a portable palette. You can let it air-dry partially if creating solid pans, or keep it sealed for a more moist consistency. Label each colour with its pigment source for future reference (or make up a name for your brand new colour combination.)
Want expert guidance through this process? Our monthly Natural Watercolour Pigment workshops at the Zurich Art Club walk you through each step with professional instruction and all materials provided, we run these on request so get in touch for individuals, team events and parties.
The Science and Magic Behind Natural Watercolour Pigments
While we've focused on the practical aspects of creating watercolours, the scientific processes behind these natural materials are equally fascinating. Let's explore a couple of examples that showcase the remarkable chemistry at work.
The Alchemy of Indigo Production
The creation of indigo blue involves a captivating biochemical transformation:
Growing & Harvesting: Indigofera plants flourish in warm climates
Steeping Process: Fresh leaves ferment in water, releasing a compound called indoxyl
Oxidation Magic: When the fermented mixture is stirred, oxygen transforms indoxyl into the deep blue molecule we know as indigo
Historically, indigo was so valuable it earned the nickname "blue gold," shaping global trade routes and economies. Even today, witnessing this transformation from green leaves to brilliant blue pigment feels like witnessing a bit of natural magic.
Iron Oxide: The Chameleon Pigment
The red, yellow, and brown ochres so beloved by artists throughout history owe their varied hues to different forms of iron oxide. The subtle differences in color emerge from variations in:
The crystal structure of the iron compounds
The presence of additional minerals and clay
The degree of hydration in the molecular structure
These natural variations create the warm, earthy palette that has defined human artistic expression since our ancestors first painted cave walls.
Troubleshooting Your Natural Watercolour Pigments
Even with the best intentions, creating your own watercolours can sometimes present challenges. Here are solutions to common issues:
Addressing Graininess in Your Paint
If your paint feels gritty, the pigment likely wasn't ground finely enough. Spend extra time with your mortar and pestle, or try passing the mixture through a fine sieve. For particularly stubborn pigments, consider "mulling" the mixture on a glass surface with a flat-bottomed muller.
Preventing Mould and Unpleasant Odours
Natural materials can sometimes develop mould over time. If you notice an odd smell forming, add a few drops of essential oil (clove and thyme work brilliantly) to your paint. These act as natural preservatives. Alternatively, store your paints in smaller containers to reduce air exposure.
Achieving Your Desired Transparency
One of the joys of handmade watercolours is customizing their properties. Gum arabic naturally creates a lovely translucence, but if you prefer more opacity, simply add an extra pinch of pigment. For more delicate washes, thin the mixture with water or use fewer layers when painting.
Having trouble with your homemade paints? Our instructors at the Zurich Art Club have years of experience troubleshooting these common issues. Email us to join one of our Natural Watercolour Pigment workshops for personalised guidance.
Private Watercolour Workshops in Zurich
Now that you understand the basics of natural pigment watercolours, perhaps you'd like to experience the process firsthand with expert guidance? The Zurich Art Club offers bespoke workshops where you and your friends, family, or colleagues can create and test your own watercolour paints - perfect for team-building or simply a delightful creative day out.
What Our Private Workshops Include
All materials, including high-quality pigments from trusted sources
Expert instruction from our experienced teaching artists
Historical context and insight into the science behind pigment production
Take-home palette of your handmade watercolours
Light refreshments with Swiss specialties
Perfect for Teams and Special Occasions
Our private workshops make exceptional corporate events, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional team-building activities. They're also wonderful for birthdays, hen/stag parties, or family gatherings. The shared experience of creating something beautiful together creates lasting memories and meaningful connections.
Interested in arranging a private natural watercolour pigment workshop for your group in Zurich? Contact our workshop coordinator to discuss dates, group size, and customisation options for your watercolour paint making event at the Zurich Art Club
Experience the Joy of Natural Watercolour Pigments at Zurich Art Club
From the first touch of pigment to gum arabic to that satisfying moment when you test your handmade paint on paper, creating watercolours with natural pigments is a deeply rewarding experience. You'll develop a newfound appreciation for each colour, understanding its origins in iron-rich earth, forest plants, or mineral deposits. Plus, your finished paints come with fascinating stories - whether it's the British-French struggle for control of gum arabic or the remarkable chemical transformation that produces indigo blue.
If you're keen to continue exploring, remember that these methods are just the beginning. Different plants, minerals, and even kitchen spices can produce an astonishing range of colours. Each experiment refines your technique and deepens your understanding of how artists throughout history have captured beauty using nature's palette.
So gather your materials, perhaps invite a friend, and transform your kitchen into a small colour laboratory. Let the historic tradition of pigment-making connect you to generations of artists who came before, while creating something uniquely your own. Once you've experienced the joy of painting with colours you've made yourself, you'll never touch a commercial watercolour set again; ok, you might - but you’l know how to make your own watercolours!!!
If you'd like to learn more about natural watercolour pigments in a supportive, well-equipped environment, do check our workshop calendar for upcoming sessions at the Zurich Art Club. Our small-group classes provide the perfect introduction to this fascinating aspect of artistic tradition.
