Are you looking for safe, non-toxic paints for yourself or your kids to use when painting or crafting?
When I was pregnant with my first child, I had the unique opportunity to take painting classes with a wonderfully natural couple in São Paulo, Brazil. They lived in a peaceful, self-built sanctuary in the heart of São Paulo, with a handmade fish pond. The husband, an award-winning soapstone sculptor, and the wife, an accomplished painter, were both incredibly talented. Both university professors, they also taught privately at home, surrounded by their kids, dogs, cats, birds, and butterflies. At 25 years old, I spent hours every Saturday painting, chatting, sipping tea, and soaking in the magical energy of this family environment as I awaited my own baby. During this time, I learned several art techniques—and I was especially amazed to discover that their paints were made entirely from natural pigments.
We ventured out into their garden, where we used various stones and minerals to create the most incredible, vibrant colors. It was a deeply rewarding and magical experience that inspired me to share it with you today.
Have you ever tried using turmeric powder or beetroot paste to make your own natural paints?
Turmeric powder and beetroot paste can work beautifully as natural paints, especially when mixed with a binder like gum arabic for watercolors or egg yolk for tempera paints. However, because these are organic substances, they may not be as lightfast, meaning they could fade over time when exposed to sunlight. To help preserve the colors on canvas, you'll need to seal your artwork with a protective varnish or medium to prevent fading.
For a more durable and sustainable way to add color to your artwork, using stones and minerals might be the perfect option!
Here’s a breakdown of what we used to create beautiful, earth-toned paints.
Natural Pigments and Their Sources
Earth Tones (Ochres and Browns)
- Ochre (Yellow, Red, Brown): Derived from iron oxide-rich clay.
- Sienna (Burnt and Raw): A type of ochre with varying iron content.
- Umber: A dark pigment made from manganese and iron oxides.
White
- Kaolin Clay: A soft, white mineral.
- Chalk (Calcium Carbonate): A commonly used bright white pigment.
- Gypsum: A mineral that creates a warmer white tone.
Black
- Charcoal: Made from burnt wood, used for rich blacks.
- Shungite: A carbon-rich stone that produces deep black pigments.
Green
- Malachite: A vibrant green copper carbonate mineral.
- Glauconite: A greenish mineral often used for earthy green tones.
Blue
- Lapis Lazuli: A semi-precious stone historically used for ultramarine.
- Azurite: A copper carbonate mineral that creates vibrant blue hues.
Red
- Cinnabar: A natural red mercury sulfide (toxic—handle with care).
- Hematite: An iron oxide that produces deep, rusty reds.
Yellow
- Orpiment: A yellow arsenic sulfide (toxic—handle with care).
- Limonite: A yellowish-brown iron ore.
Purple
- Manganese Oxide: A mineral used for rich purple tones.
- Fluorite: A natural mineral that can have purple or green hues.
Gray
- Graphite: A naturally occurring form of crystalline carbon.
- Basalt Powder: Finely ground volcanic rock used for gray tones.
How to Make Paint with Natural Stones and Minerals
If you're ready to create your own natural paints, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Gather and Prepare the Material
- Choose the stone or mineral based on the color you want.
- Crush the material into smaller pieces using a hammer or mortar and pestle.
- Grind the material into a fine powder using a stone grinder, mortar and pestle, or ball mill.
2. Sift the Powder
- Use a fine mesh sieve to ensure the pigment is uniform and free of larger particles.
3. Make the Paint
You'll need the following ingredients:
- Pigment Powder (your ground stone or mineral)
- Binder (linseed oil for oil paints, egg yolk for tempera paints, or gum arabic for watercolors)
- Solvent (optional, like water or turpentine depending on the paint type)
Process:
- Mix the pigment with a small amount of binder until it forms a paste.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more binder or solvent as needed.
- Blend thoroughly to ensure an even mixture.
4. Store and Use
- Place the paint in airtight containers to preserve it.
- Stir well before use, as natural paints can settle over time.
Tips for Working with Natural Pigments
- Test Colors: The final shade can vary depending on the binder used and how finely the pigment is ground.
- Safety First: Always wear a dust mask when grinding minerals to avoid inhaling fine particles. Handle toxic minerals like cinnabar and orpiment with care, or consider safer alternatives.
- Sustainability: Always source your stones and minerals responsibly to minimize environmental impact.
Making paint from natural stones and minerals is not only a fun and creative way to add unique colors to your artwork but also a sustainable practice that connects you to nature. I hope you feel inspired to give it a try! If you'd like instructions for specific types of paint, like tempera or watercolor, or if you’ve tried making your own natural paints, feel free to share your results with us below or tag us on social media @crunchymamabox! 🌿🎨
At Crunchy Mama Box, we’re dedicated to providing health and wellness resources to support you and your family on your journey to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Looking for a supportive community where you can connect and share? Join our private Facebook group, Crunchy Mama Strong.
Lots of Crunchy Love, Wanda
