Water-Based Pigments

Water-Based Pigments Introduction Water-based pigments can be difficult to master, but they provide a solid foundation in technique that translates easily into other media. You cannot hide your mistakes in water media. For this reason, beginning painters should start with watercolor and progress through the other water media of gouache, casein, and eventually acrylics. For extended study in watercolor, review the works of Emil Nolde and Charles Demuth. Water-based pigments Water-based pigments or water media are pigments combined with a binder and diluted with water. You should use distilled water to dilute water-based pigments before application. Tap or impure water effects the clarity and permanence of water-based pigments. Watercolors Watercolors are pigments combined with gum arabic and diluted with water before application. Watercolors are available as powder, pan cakes, and tubes. Watercolors in powder or pancake form may require additional preparation before use such as grinding and mixing with a binder. Watercolor in a tube is ready to use. Tube color and some pan cakes are mixed with glycerin to retain moistness. Watercolors are water soluble when wet and dry. Watercolor Watercolor pigments are classified by degrees of permanence based on permanence research. Select a degree of permanence to suit your needs. Permanence is designated according to this table: Designator Meaning AA A permanent, artist-grade quality paint. A A somewhat permanent, student-grade pigment. B A moderately permanent, cheaper, lower quality paint good for preliminary studies. C No significant degree of permanence, intended primarily for general public or classroom use. Continued on next page 1-56