Digital Book: Natural Paints and Inks
This book is a complete guide for anyone who wishes to explore the world of natural paints and inks, from botanical and mineral pigments to the preparation of solid watercolors and inks for refillable markers and water brushes. With a practical, safe, and sustainable approach, it teaches techniques that can be used for both recreational and professional purposes.
You will learn how to prepare powdered lake pigments and other pigments made from plants, earth, and clay, and how to transform them into liquid or solid paints and inks. The book provides detailed instructions on proportions, preparation, settling, reduction, and binder mixing, as well as specific guidance on how to extend the shelf life of your paints and inks.
In addition to the techniques, the book includes important safety tips, especially for children, and guidance on using natural paints and inks on different surfaces, such as paper, fabric, canvas, wood, and walls. Suggestions are provided for each type of paint and ink, ranging from freehand painting and stencil work to screen printing and the use of refillable markers and water brushes.
With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, this guide allows readers to discover the secrets of natural colors, reuse materials, and experiment with unique combinations, encouraging creativity and a deeper connection with nature.
Whether you wish to teach, learn, or create artwork, Natural Paints and Inks is an essential resource for artists, educators, and curious minds who want to explore the beauty and magic of natural colors.
Recipes
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Alcohol Ink: ideal for anthotype printing, monotype printing, and creating “magic ink” for playful activities with children.
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Hybrid Alcohol Ink: a different way to make watercolor ink from both heat-resistant and heat-sensitive plants.
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Edible Paint — 3 versions: a safe and enjoyable option for children and adults to explore art with confidence.
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Guar Gum Paint: suitable for screen printing, stencil work, and freehand painting on paper and fabric.
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Extracting Lake Pigment from Dye Plants: a technique that makes it possible to create intense, long-lasting pigments for professional-quality paints.
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Lake Pigment Paste Paint: ideal for anyone who wants to create professional botanical paint more quickly than with conventional powdered lake pigment.
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Lake Pigment Paint: a versatile paint that can be applied freehand, with a stencil, or through screen printing on fabric, canvas, and paper. Ideal for professional use.
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Mineral Gouache: easy to prepare and suitable for all ages. It can be applied to paper, canvas, fabric, walls, or wood.
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Liquid Watercolor Paint — botanical and mineral versions: suitable for recreational or professional artwork on paper, canvas, or fabric.
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Solid Watercolor Paint — botanical and mineral versions: practical and long-lasting, suitable for recreational or professional artwork on paper, canvas, or fabric.
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Earth Paint: a natural paint suitable for interior and exterior walls, paper, fabric, and even wood.
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Modeling Clay Paint: practical and weather-resistant, ideal for application on walls, canvas, wood, or paper.
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Plant-Based and Mineral Inks for Refillable Markers and Water Brushes — 2 versions: ideal for drawing on paper, canvas, and fabric.
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Stamping Ink: transform your natural ink into stamping ink, suitable for use on canvas, fabric, paper, and even walls.
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Oil Paint: long-lasting and ideal for oil monotype printing and other artistic projects on canvas or paper.
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Oil Paint Stick: practical, long-lasting, and ideal for professional artistic use on canvas or paper.
Also included:
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Binder I: ideal for preparing liquid watercolor, lake pigment paint, and gouache.
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Binder II: ideal for preparing solid watercolor paint.
Gabi Pastro
Author, herbalist, and tea blender
Passionate about the power of plants, Gabi specializes in aromatic herbs, spices, and herbalism. She holds a degree in Biology from the Federal University of ABC and a master’s degree in Evolution and Diversity. Since 2013, she has dedicated herself to the world of herbalism, sharing knowledge through courses on medicinal plants, seasonings, teas, and gardening.
At the helm of Hortas e Saberes, founded in 2015, and Escola de Ervas e Especiarias, founded in 2018, she has taught thousands of students through both in-person and online courses, reaching people in Brazil, Portugal, and other parts of the world. She appears on television programs and contributes to several specialized magazines, including Revista Saúde, Bons Fluidos, Paisagismo e Jardinagem, Natureza e Plantas, and Flores e Jardins, among others.
Always in search of new botanical inspiration, she travels the world exploring knowledge and traditions related to plants, bringing together science, culture, and practice in her work.