The idea is to make watercolor paints (as well as natural dyes) from farm-grown herbs and related products (e.g. indigo, dandelion, Queen Anne's lace) and then work with my sister (a STL artist) to create a series of family farm-themed paintings that can be sold at local Farmers Markets ... and images from them can be used to spruce up the MO Farm Tour website! (-:
see also:
USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection
DIY watercolor paint comes together easily with a few simple ingredients.
Tools and Materials
Baking soda
White vinegar
Light corn syrup
Cornstarch
Mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
Half-dozen egg carton
Assorted food coloring 4-pack
Popsicle sticks or skewers
Watercolor Paint How-To
1. In a mixing bowl, mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons vinegar until fizzing stops. Add 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Mix until a uniform consistency.
2. Pour the mixture into individual egg carton cups, filling each about a third to halfway.
3. Add five to 10 drops of food coloring to each cup, mixing in thoroughly, to reach desired colors. (Experiment, or see color recipes below.)
4. Allow paints to set overnight. Use paints on watercolor paper with a wet paintbrush.
Color Recipes
Reddish pink: 10 drops red
Orange: 1 drop red, 6 drops yellow
Yellow: 5 drops yellow
Leaf green: 3 drops green, 7 drops yellow
Sea blue: 5 drops blue
Violet: 4 drops red, 2 drops blue