Pigment Explorations: Painting with your pantry!

Photo credit: Gustavo Leighton

If you have ever used turmeric in your cooking, you likely noticed that it stained everything it touches yellow. Turmeric has incredible pigment properties, and is fun to play around with in non-permanent ways. You simply mix it with a bit of water (so it forms a paste) and paint on paper with it using a dedicated set of brushes. I use watercolour brushes, and stick to my old ones that aren't necessarily my favourite but still do the trick! I save my good watercolour brushes for actual watercolour paints.

I encourage you to try out other pigments you think of that may not be on the list below. Here are some fun pigments to start out with:

Spice suggestions:

Beetroot powder

Spirulina

Dandelion root

Turmeric

Chili powder

Ground cloves

Cinnamon

Cayenne powder

Ground cumin

Tea suggestions:

Hibiscus flower tea

Butterfly pea flower

Orange pekoe tea

Earth suggestions:

Sacred clay from your favourite river or lake

These pigments are not permanent, but if kept out of direct sunlight, many of them will last months if not years. If you are seeking a fun way to make art using natural materials, this is a great place to start. Start with what you already have! You can tell what the general colour will be by looking at the tone of the spice or clay. With tea water, this typically fades quicker than spices and clay, and often changes colour as it dries. It's a delight to witness! I like to create using these materials when making postcards or thank you cards for my friends.