Exploring the source of the River Chelmer this morning, I embarked on a foraging journey, not only for exercise but also in search of natural pigments to create my own artist-quality watercolours. These pigments play a crucial role in my artistic process, especially for creating gum bichromate prints.
Rediscovering Ancient Techniques
Over 25 years ago, I had the privilege of doing a course with Dr. David Cranswick. He introduced me to the techniques of Renaissance artists, including the art of grinding pigments to create oil paints. The principles of grinding pigments are similar across mediums, whether for oil, watercolour, or egg tempera, with the primary difference being the binder used.
The Timeless Appeal of Natural Pigments
Natural pigments have been integral to art since prehistoric times. Unfortunately, many contemporary artists have lost this connection with the natural world, often opting for the convenience of store-bought pigments. However, there is something profoundly satisfying about sourcing and creating your own pigments.
The Foraging Experience
While my recent foraging venture didn’t yield a vast array of materials, I did find some red ochre, chalk, and fragments of old red brick—an excellent source of red clay. Once ground down, these materials can be processed further to create usable watercolour paint, a process I look forward to sharing in a future post.
Unique Pigments from Different Landscapes
Each region offers a unique palette of colours. Here, the predominant presence of flint limits the variety, but I am optimistic about discovering more intriguing pigments in Scotland and Wales. These explorations will enrich my ‘Fractured Whispers‘ project, where I aim to use pigments foraged from the forest floor to print images of the enchanting Scottish Celtic rainforests.
A Historical Perspective: The Legacy of Red Ochre
As an interesting aside, the name “Adam,” the first human in the Bible, originates from ancient Hebrew words meaning “red earth.” According to Genesis, Adam was formed from the dust of the ground and given life. This connection underscores humankind’s deep and ancient fascination with red ochre. When ground into dust and mixed with saliva, fat, or milk, red ochre bears a striking resemblance to blood, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
The Journey Continues
My journey of foraging for natural pigments is both a reconnection with ancient artistic practices and an exploration of the diverse colours offered by our landscapes. Stay tuned as I continue to share the steps and discoveries of creating watercolour paints from these natural treasures.
By embracing these traditional methods, I not only preserve a rich artistic heritage but also bring a unique and personal touch to my artwork. The pigments I create are more than just colours; they are the essence of the places I explore and the stories I tell through my art.
Below:
Grinding artists pigments part 1.
Below:
Grinding artists pigments part 2.
