How is watercolor made?

When someone opens a half pan of handmade watercolor, they often see just the surface—soft, textured, maybe slightly cracked, rich with pigment. But beneath that surface is a process layered with care, patience, and intention. Making watercolor by hand isn’t just a recipe—it’s a relationship between earth, art, and emotion.

And I’d love to share that process with you. Because knowing how your paints are made? That deepens the connection you feel when you use them.

Everything begins with pigment — The soul of the color

Pigment is what gives watercolor its color. It can come from minerals, soils, plants, or carefully crafted synthetic sources. Each pigment has its own characteristics—some are soft and subtle, others are strong and staining. Some granulate into rivers of texture, others float like silk.

When I choose pigments, I listen. What does this color want to be? How will it move in water? Will it mix well with others? I only select those that speak with clarity and integrity. Many of my choices are rooted in nature—earthy tones, ocean blues, deep florals—because I want your painting experience to feel grounded and alive.

I also avoid toxic heavy metals and harsh chemicals. My colors are eco-conscious, skin-safe, and soul-safe too.

Binder: Holding color and intention together

Pigment alone is just powder. To become watercolor, it needs something to hold it together and make it flow when reactivated. This is where the binder comes in.

I use a mix of natural gum arabic (from acacia trees), water, and humectants like vegetable glycerin or honey. Each element serves a purpose:

• Gum arabic suspends and binds the pigment
• Water helps the ingredients blend
• Glycerin/honey keep the paint smooth and easy to rewet

Every pigment requires its own unique ratio. Some are thirsty and absorb a lot of binder. Others need just a little. That balance is part of the artistry behind each batch—it’s where science meets intuition.

Mulling: The art of blending by hand

Once mixed, the pigment and binder are mulled together on a thick glass slab using a glass muller. This part is both technical and meditative. The goal is to break down pigment particles and make sure everything is smooth, evenly blended, and free of grit.

I mull each batch slowly, listening with my hands. There’s a moment when the paint shifts—it becomes silkier, more unified. That’s when I know it’s ready.

It takes time. But like most beautiful things, it’s worth not rushing.

Pouring and patience

After mulling, the paint is hand-poured into pans—usually in layers. Because the paint is thick, it doesn’t settle in one go. It dries slowly, and some colors crack more than others. I return again and again, pouring new layers, waiting between each one.

This part of the process can take several days or even weeks.

Each pan is touched multiple times before it reaches you. Each one carries time, care, and the quiet hope that it will inspire you to create freely.

Curious about how watercolor comes to life on paper
- Read next: How Is Watercolor Applied?

Want to understand why watercolor feels so different from other paints?
- Explore: What Makes Watercolor Unique?