Join our 4-H teens as they learn about the magic of natural color science!
What are we learning about today?
Did you know you can make paint and ink from plants? The same stuff you eat can be turned into all kinds of awesome natural colors for art!
Scientists who study plant pigments use chemistry and biology to learn how color works in nature. They work in fields like art conservation, environmental studies and even make-up and textile design!
You can harness plant power right at home to make your own natural art supplies!
What do you need?
- Fruits, vegetables, peels, seeds, roots, or leaves – grab a variety of colors!
- A cooking pot and stove (adult supervision recommended)
- Electric coffee grinder (for dry pigment)
- Agar powder or gelatin
- Mortar and pestle
- Small bowl and spoon
- Strainer or coffee filter
- Measuring spoons (optional)
- Small jars with lids to store your finished paints
Try it yourself!
- Wash your fruits and veggies, then chop them into small pieces.
- Turn plants into powder.
- Dry them out completely.
- Option 1: Leave them out in the sun for a day or two.
- Option 2: Put them in the oven on low heat for a few hours.
- Dry them out completely.
- Grind it.
- Once your plants are dry, grind them up in a coffee grinder until you get a fine powder. If it feels gritty, it's not ready yet.
- Mix the paint!
- Start with 1/8 teaspoon of your color, then add water until it looks right. If you want it to be thicker, you can add a pinch of agar powder or gum arabic.
- You can also make a version with honey in it! Adding a little honey will paint a glossy finish – and make it better for color blending! If you want to try this, use one part honey to two or three parts water.
- Let your inner artist go!
Open and print the supply list for yourself!
Want to learn more?