Plant-Based Pigment Archive
A Curated Collection of Natural Colors
Red Pigments
Madder Root
Plant Origin: Rubia tinctorum roots
Vibrancy: 9/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, fabric dyeing, ink making
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, cotton fabric, linen
Beet Root
Plant Origin: Beta vulgaris
Vibrancy: 7/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, temporary artworks
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, mixed media
Cochineal Alternative
Plant Origin: Various plant-based sources
Vibrancy: 8/10
Ideal For: Fabric dyeing, watercolor
Paper Types: Cotton, silk, watercolor paper
Yellow Pigments
Turmeric
Plant Origin: Curcuma longa rhizomes
Vibrancy: 8/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, ink making
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, drawing paper
Safflower
Plant Origin: Carthamus tinctorius petals
Vibrancy: 7/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, fabric dyeing
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, silk, cotton
Weld
Plant Origin: Reseda luteola
Vibrancy: 9/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, fabric dyeing
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, linen, cotton
Blue Pigments
Indigo
Plant Origin: Indigofera tinctoria
Vibrancy: 10/10
Ideal For: Fabric dyeing, watercolor, ink making
Paper Types: Cotton, denim, watercolor paper
Woad
Plant Origin: Isatis tinctoria
Vibrancy: 9/10
Ideal For: Fabric dyeing, watercolor
Paper Types: Linen, cotton, watercolor paper
Brown Pigments
Walnut
Plant Origin: Juglans regia husks
Vibrancy: 8/10
Ideal For: Ink making, watercolor, calligraphy
Paper Types: All paper types, especially parchment
Oak Galls
Plant Origin: Quercus galls
Vibrancy: 7/10
Ideal For: Ink making, historical reproduction
Paper Types: Parchment, vellum, cotton paper
Green Pigments
Nettles
Plant Origin: Urtica dioica leaves
Vibrancy: 6/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, fabric dyeing
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, cotton
Spinach
Plant Origin: Spinacia oleracea leaves
Vibrancy: 5/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, temporary artworks
Paper Types: Watercolor paper
Chlorophyll Blends
Plant Origin: Mixed leafy greens
Vibrancy: 6/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, experimental art
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, mixed media
Purple Pigments
Blackcurrant
Plant Origin: Ribes nigrum berries
Vibrancy: 7/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, fabric dyeing
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, silk, cotton
Elderberry
Plant Origin: Sambucus nigra berries
Vibrancy: 8/10
Ideal For: Watercolor, ink making
Paper Types: Watercolor paper, drawing paper
Explore the Process
Learn how these pigments are extracted and prepared for artistic use.
Discover the Journey