Botanical Sketchbook Painting Lessons 5-8
3 videos + 8 printables
LESSON 5: PAPER PREPARATION - EARTH PIGMENT STAIN
In this course, you have several nontraditional options for paper staining -- coffee, tea, mud -- but traditional art supplies can work, too. Sienna, ochre and umber are commonly available in acrylic paint. Any combination of these three earth-based pigments, thinned with water, will create a beautiful stain.
This triad of natural pigments show up in cave paintings, on the walls of ancient Rome, and in elaborately decorated Egyptian tombs. They were dominant in the palette used by Rembrandt and Vermeer. With the arrival of the Impressionists (and synthetic pigments) in the 19th Century, the old earth pigments fell out of style. But individually or in combination, they can provide a rich stain with an undeniably natural feel.
Use a spray bottle and about one generous tablespoon of paint per two cups of water. (Do a quick test spray on scrap paper to see if you need to adjust that recipe.) Work outside or protect nearby surfaces, as acrylic overspray doesn’t wash out.
Start with the lightest color first -- in this case, yellow ochre. Spray a thick layer on the paper surface:
