Making Watercolors

Lesson Title: Creating Watercolor Paints from Raw Pigments

Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)

Duration: 3-4 class periods (approximately 90 minutes each)

Objective: Students will learn about the history of watercolor pigments, understand the process of making watercolor paints from raw pigments, and create their own watercolor paints.

Materials:

• Raw pigments (e.g., powdered mineral pigments or natural pigments)

• Gum arabic (binder)

• Glass muller (or alternative grinding tool)

• Empty watercolor pans or small containers

• Dropper bottles for mixing

• Palette for mixing colors

• Watercolor brushes

• Watercolor paper

• Water containers

• Paper towels

• Aprons or old clothes to protect clothing

Lesson Outline:

Day 1: Introduction and Pigment Exploration (60 minutes)

• Step 1: Introduction (15 minutes)

  • Begin by discussing the history of watercolor painting and the importance of pigments in art.

  • Explain that students will be creating their own watercolor paints from raw pigments.

• Step 2: Pigment Exploration (30 minutes)

  • Provide students with a variety of raw pigments.

  • Have students explore the pigments, noting their colors, textures, and characteristics.

  • Discuss the origins of different pigments (e.g., minerals, plants) and their historical significance.

• Step 3: Safety Precautions (15 minutes)

  • Emphasize the importance of safety when working with pigments (e.g., wearing masks when handling powders, avoiding contact with eyes or mouth).

  • Ensure that students understand the safety guidelines and precautions.

Day 2: Creating Watercolor Paints (90 minutes)

• Step 4: Mixing the Paint (60 minutes)

  • Instruct students on how to mix watercolor paint using raw pigments and gum arabic as a binder.

  • Demonstrate the grinding process using a glass muller or alternative tool.

  • Show how to adjust the consistency and intensity of the paint.

  • Encourage students to experiment with mixing colors.

Day 3: Painting with Homemade Watercolors (60 minutes)

• Step 5: Painting (60 minutes)

  • Provide students with watercolor paper, brushes, and their homemade watercolor paints.

  • Allow students to paint their own watercolor artwork, experimenting with the colors they created.

  • Encourage creativity and self-expression.

Day 4 (Optional): Reflection and Sharing (30 minutes)

• Step 6: Reflection and Sharing (30 minutes)

  • Have students share their artwork with the class and discuss their experiences in creating homemade watercolors.

  • Reflect on the historical significance of pigments and the process of making watercolor paints.

By the end of this lesson, students will have gained a deeper understanding of watercolor pigments, the process of creating watercolor paints, and an appreciation for the historical significance of pigments in art.