Nature is a beautiful thing! You can discover every color of the rainbow in nature on a daily basis. Why not paint with some of those beautiful pigments?
Since time immemorial, people worldwide have been using natural pigments from plants, animals, and minerals to create art! Here are five easy ways to make paint if you are interested in experimenting with painting using nature.
1. Leaves
You can create art using leaves without having to make them into paint at all! Chlorophyll, the part of a plant’s cell that absorbs light and provides leaves with their green color, can be rubbed off on paper to make many shades of green.
To paint with leaves select a thin leaf that does not have a leathery or waxy texture. Then, rub the leaf directly on paper to release the chlorophyll pigment. Experiment with different plants to see which leaves you like to paint with!
2. Flower Petals
The easiest way to paint with flowers is using the same method as painting with leaves. To release the pigment, simply rub the petals on a piece of paper!
If you would like to make a watercolor paint out of the petals follow these steps. Place flower petals in a heat resistant container. In a separate container, heat up water on the stove top or in the microwave until it is almost at a boil. Then, pour the hot water over the petals. Only put enough water in the container to barely cover the petals! This allows the pigment to stay concentrated. Let the petals stay in the water overnight to continue to release as much pigment as possible. Then, strain the paint through a sieve or coffee filter.
Different flowers will release different strengths of colors. Some paints may be vibrant while others are dull. Experimenting is part of the fun of making your own paints!
3. Berries
Berries are often some of the easiest natural pigments to make paint out of because of their vibrant colors! To make paint with berries all you have to do is squish the berries in a plastic bag or with a mortar and pestle. Then, strain out any seeds or chunks. You can paint using just the juice strained from the berries or add a little bit of water to help stretch the paint!
4. Soil
For earthy tones of paint the best place to go is the Earth itself! Soil can be a fun way to make paint especially for those who enjoy digging in the dirt. For best results, sift the soil of your choice to remove any chunks, debris, or surprise creatures. Then, mix the soil with water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Black Walnut
Black walnut paint may take the most time but it is worth it! To make black walnut paint, simmer crushed black walnuts (including their husk) in a pot of water for 4-6 hours. Black walnut paint can range from a light brown to black. The longer you boil the walnuts, the darker the paint will be. When the paint has reached your desired color, remove the walnuts, wait for the paint to cool, and create something wonderful!
Once you have made your paint our best advice is to get creative! Paint with a paintbrush or a bundle of leaves. Stamp paints using flowers or release pigments from leaves by smearing it across the paper with a rock. Whatever method you choose to make art, don’t forget to enjoy nature and have fun!
Mountain Roots Blog 