In this class we are introduced to the making of the watercolours we used in Miniature painting. they are primarily pigments that are grind down and mixed with water and liquid gum Arabic. They are vivid and vibrant colours and a wonderful sight to behold. I have discussed these in the past but they never cease to amaze me.
Briefly the steps;
1. Have a slab of glass ( with a sand blasted texture - you can get this in an art shop), glass muller , palette knife read, together with your chosen pigment, water and gum Arabic.( to bind the pigment so it stays on the paper when it dries)
2 . Put about 4-5 tablespoon of the pigments in the centre of the slab and add 1/2 tablespoon of water and about the same but less amount of gum Arabic to the centre and start grinding, add a bit of water to it at a time until it feels smooth, and has a slightly thick consistence so it is not too thin. Use the palette knife to scrap the paint back to the centre of the slab so it is not running everywhere.
3. Once the paint is ready, we have to test it on a piece of paper, wait for it to dry and try to rub it off. If it gets rubbed off it means the paint needs more gum Arabic to bind it together. So you will need to add a few drop of gum Arabic and grind it and then test it again. When the paint is finally ready you can pour it in a container and it is ready to be used.
