Foraged and Gathered Pigments
Foraging for artist’s pigments is a practice rooted in human history, connecting creators to their environment and the origins of color. The process begins with seeking out natural sources: rocks, soils, clays, plants, and even tree saps. Exposed riverbanks, forest floors, cliffs, and quarries are prime locations to discover colored earths and stones. Soft rocks—such as ochre, sandstone, and shale—are ideal for beginners, as they are easier to process. A simple test is to rub a stone on a hard surface; if it leaves a colored streak, it likely contains usable pigment.
Once collected, the raw materials must be processed. Begin by breaking rocks or clumps of earth into manageable pieces with a hammer or stone. Next, grind them to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, taking care to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling fine particles. Sift the powder through a fine mesh sieve to remove larger fragments, repeating the grinding and sifting as needed until a smooth pigment is achieved. Store the finished powder in glass jars for later use.
Clays and soils offer a spectrum of earthy colors, from reds and yellows (rich in iron oxides) to greens and blues (from copper-rich marine clays). Plant-based pigments can be gathered from flowers, leaves, berries, nuts, and even tree saps. These are typically processed by grinding, boiling, or pressing to extract their colors. For example, vibrant floral dyes are best collected in spring and early summer, while autumn leaves yield deep oranges and browns. Always harvest plants ethically—clip rather than uproot, and favor fallen material when possible.
Charcoal, produced by charring wood, provides deep blacks and can be used alone or to darken other pigments. Each foraged pigment carries a unique fingerprint of its place of origin, offering both creative inspiration and a sustainable alternative to synthetic colors.
Hardware Store and Other Materials Sources for Pigments
Beyond the natural world, artists can adapt a surprising range of consumer and hardware store materials into pigments. This approach not only broadens the palette but also encourages recycling and experimentation.
From the hardware store, look for materials like colored masonry pigments, powdered tile grout, or concrete stains. These are designed for durability and can be finely ground and mixed with artist binders to create paints. Old ceramic tiles, bricks, or even colored stones from landscaping supplies can be crushed and processed much like natural rocks. Be cautious with safety—some commercial pigments may contain hazardous substances, so always read labels and use protective gear.
Household and recycled materials also offer unexpected pigment sources. Expired spices (such as turmeric or paprika), coffee grounds, and teas yield warm, earthy tones when ground and mixed with binders. Colored paper, fabric scraps, or even chalk can be soaked or ground to extract color. For a more experimental approach, try using rust scraped from old tools for reds and oranges, or soot collected from candle jars for black.
To turn any pigment powder into paint, combine it with a suitable binder: gum arabic for watercolors, linseed oil for oils, or egg yolk for tempera. The process of adapting both foraged and found materials not only fosters sustainability but also infuses artwork with a sense of place, resourcefulness, and personal story. Whether gathered from the wild or repurposed from everyday items, these pigments reconnect artists with the elemental origins of color