02 - Learn to Make Your Own Watercolours from Pigment Powder. - MASTERCLASS

Using pre-ground and powdered pigment, you will be guided through the processes involved in making your own watercolour paints.  

During this class you will learn how to create three-four pigment powders into watercolour paint. Following this class, you will have enough knowledge and skills to continue making your own paint.

Materials list

• Shells or containers
  Shells linked here for US, here for UK
  
  
• Sauce dishes are a good substitute for shells.
  I have linked some here for the US and here for the UK.
  
  Powdered Pigments* Minimum of two-three pigment powders is required for this class, otherwise please watch as a demonstration. If you are unable to obtain a certain pigment powder, ensure you have the gouache and/or watercolour version available.

• Lapis Lazuli 
  
• For best quality and most blue colour link here  (International delivery)
• For medium quality and more purple colour, link here 
• For a basic Lapis Lazuli, link here 
• 
  
  Malachite pigment powder
  There is no need to buy malachite If you attended the malachite masterclass. Instead swap this colour out for another in the list.
  
• For best quality, link here  (International Delivery)
• For medium quality, link here 
• For starters and beginners, link here
  
  
• Indigo pigment powder
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Chromium Oxide powder.
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Naples yellow.
  This pigment contains lead which is highly toxic. Please substitute out if you work in poorly ventilated area or around children. Pleasure wear PPE when preparing.
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Cinnabar, vermillion or Red lead.
  The natural form of vermillion is Cinnabar which contains a high amount of mercury and is highly toxic. Red lead contains lead which is toxic. If uncomfortable which these pigments please using Cadmium red, or the above mention pre-prepared in gouache form.
  Please note, there is some colour differences between cinnabar/vermillion and Red Lead. Both were used in traditional miniature painting.
  UK linked here, US here.
  Red Lead is linked here
  
  
• Red Earth
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Yellow Ochre
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Alizarin crimson
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Burnt umber
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Gum Arabic
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Marble or glass surface
  The larger the better.
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Muller
  UK linked here, US here.
  Essential item.
  
  
• Palette knife - long.
  UK linked here, US here.
  
  
• Paper 
  Sketchbook is fine. Ideally a scrap from the paper you will be putting the final painting on.
  
  
• Dust mask
  
  
• Burnisher (small)
  For gold work, or burnishing small details, I'd recommend this burnisher, for US please use this link.

*Do not need to buy every colour. Can substitute the powders for their gouache/watercolour equivalent

This is an optional class, ready-made watercolour and gouache can be substituted.


Health and safety
It is strongly recommended that a dust mask is worn during this class. Some natural and synthetic pigments are highly toxic and can cause irritation to skin, eyes and lungs. Please always read the labels. Work in a well ventilated area and keep pigment powders and paints away from children and animals.

By signing up to this class you acknowledge that this is a risk you have chosen to take.

This is a non-essential class. If uncomfortable using pigments - natural or in their loose form, please use pre-prepared gouache/watercolour instead.


Is there any preparation?
All participants will receive an email prior to the workshop if preparation is required.


What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing: Baggy clothing (especially sleeves) and loose jewellery.