Sustainability in the Arts
Step-by-step guide to creating your watercolor paints using food waste or floral trimmings at home
Research
If a plant has been traditionally used for dyeing, it’s likely an excellent source of natural color. However, always check for toxicity—just because something is natural doesn’t guarantee it’s safe. To ensure safety, use separate pans and utensils exclusively for paint-making, and never reuse them for food preparation. Create paints in a well-ventilated space.
Prepare Plant
In a pot (for paint making only) add 1 cup plants and 2 cups distilled water. I also add 1 tsp white vinegar and ½ tsp salt.
Heat Slowly
In my experience, it’s best to heat plants gently and avoid boiling them. Slowly heat the mixture until you achieve your desired color, which can take up to two hours—so be prepared to wait. Keep a close eye on the process to ensure the water doesn’t evaporate completely, as this could cause the plant material to burn. If the water level starts to drop, simply add more to maintain the desired consistency and continue until you reach the perfect color. Use pieces of acid-free paper to dip in the water and check the color.
Strain
When the desired color is achieved, strain the plant material through a coffee filter to remove any impurities.
Preserve (optional)
If you don't plan to use it all immediately, place a clove into the watercolor and store it in the fridge. This should stay fresh for about a week, depending on the plant.
Make an Ink
If you’d like to make a more concentrated color or use it as an ink, reduce down to a thicker consistency. Add gum arabic (start with 1 part gum arabic to 10 part liquid and adjust to your preferences).
Expand the Color Palette
Experiment with adjusting the colors by adding ingredients such as baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and citric acid (lemon juice) to alter the pH and observe the resulting colors.
A New Era of Creative Sustainability
The Power of Art to Inspire Change
Creativity has always been a force for transformation. For centuries, artists have painted, sculpted, and crafted with the world around them, leaving a legacy of beauty and innovation. Today, we have the opportunity to guide that same creativity toward protecting our planet—combining artistry with sustainability to shape a brighter future.
The challenge of microplastics presents an urgent call for thoughtful action. Synthetic materials, including acrylic paints, contribute significantly to microplastic pollution (46 times MORE than textiles), impacting ecosystems and human health. But rather than focusing on limits, we can focus on possibilities—the opportunity to create art that reflects our care for the earth and those who will inherit it.
A Shift Toward Natural Materials
Traditional art practices inspire us to revisit techniques grounded in nature. Plant-based paints and biodegradable materials, for example, allow us to create without compromising the environment. Handcrafted supplies not only tell stories of connection to the land but also encourage us to slow down, cherish the process, and build a deeper relationship with our work.
Switching to sustainable materials doesn’t dilute creativity—it enhances it. Imagine the thrill of crafting vibrant hues from flowers, food scraps, or other natural sources. These processes are not only safe for the planet but also rich with stories of tradition and discovery.
Small Action, Big Difference
Change often starts with simple steps. Some ways to make an impact include:
Choosing Biodegradable Options: Look for art supplies made with natural or compostable materials—paints, brushes, papers—that can return safely to the earth.
Reducing Waste: Recycle or repurpose paint jars, minimize water use during clean-up, and explore less harmful alternatives that align with your values.
Learning and Sharing: Explore methods like plant-based paint making during workshops, share sustainable art practices with others, and inspire your community to join the movement.
Every decision you make as a creator ripples outward, encouraging others to think differently and take action themselves. Together, small changes grow into a cultural shift.
Celebrating Progress
Around the world, artists, designers, and makers are rising to this challenge in exciting ways. From vibrant murals painted with natural pigments to galleries showcasing sustainability in every exhibit, the creative community is proving that a sustainable future is not only possible—it’s beautiful.
Painting a Legacy for Future Generations
This is more than a shift in materials—it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about rethinking the relationship between art and the planet to foster regeneration and resilience. By choosing intentional practices and mindful creation, we align with the timeless principles of stewardship, quality, and artistry.
As we make choices that honor both tradition and innovation, we declare that creativity can lead to solutions. Together, we can paint a story of hope and harmony, leaving a vibrant, enduring legacy.
You hold the brush—what legacy will you create?