Pigment gives watercolor its color, personality, and magic! When I first learned about pigment families, it completely changed how I choose my colors.
In this post, I'll walk you through what pigments are, where they come from, and how different types behave in your watercolor work. Whether it's earthy ochres or juicy synthetic blues, each pigment brings its charm.
Let's dive into the world of paint pigment together!
Contents
What Is Pigment in Watercolor Paint?
Before we explore the pigment families, let's talk about what pigment actually is.
Pigment is the coloring agent in watercolor paint. It's mixed with a binder—usually Gum Arabic—to help it stick to the paper and move with water.
Gum Arabic gives the paint its transparency and flow, but it's the pigment that creates the color. And pigments? They come from all sorts of places—earth, plants, bugs, and even chemistry labs!
Inorganic Pigments: From Earth and Stone
Let's start with the pigments that were never living—inorganic pigments.
These pigments come from minerals, earth, and metals. They're durable and rich with history.
What Does ‘Inorganic' Mean in Art?
If something was never living—not from a plant or animal—it's inorganic. Think about rocks, clay, or metals. Pigments made from these are usually earthy and strong. They've been used since ancient times.
Now, let's look at some of the most common inorganic pigments I use in my palette.
Earth Pigments
Earth pigments are some of the oldest colors in art history. I love how natural and muted they look.
- Terre Verte (Green Earth): This green pigment has been around since the Roman Empire. It's soft, subtle, and earthy—just like its name.
- Yellow Ochre: Yellow ochre is a staple in almost every palette. It's a warm, muted yellow that leans toward brown. Prehistoric artists used it, and we still do! I always squeeze out a bit of yellow ochre when I start a painting—it's one of those must-have colors.
Mineral Pigments
Next are pigments made from crushed minerals. These are truly gems—sometimes literally!
- Lapis Lazuli: This beautiful blue pigment comes from a semi-precious stone. Artists have prized it since the 6th or 7th century for its deep color. It's rare and expensive, though, so I don't keep it in my everyday kit.
- Ultramarine Blue (Synthetic Inorganic): Luckily, science has our back! Ultramarine blue is a synthetic version of lapis lazuli. It's lab-made, but it's still considered inorganic because it comes from non-living materials. This pigment is a brilliant, reliable blue—and way more affordable.
Synthetic Inorganic Pigments
Some inorganic pigments don’t exist in nature—they’re created through chemical processes. But they still come from inorganic elements like metals and minerals.
- Cadmiums: I can’t paint without cadmium reds and yellows! They’re super vibrant, highly opaque, and perfect when I need bold color. Cadmium orange is also a beauty!
- Titanium and Zinc Whites: These are common whites in my paints. They’re synthetic but derived from inorganic sources.
These pigments are created by combining minerals or metals in a lab to create stunning colors. I love the science behind it!
Organic Pigments: From Plants and Insects
Now, let's move to pigments that come from living things—organic pigments.
These have such interesting stories and textures. I love knowing the history behind the color on my page.
What Does ‘Organic' Mean for Pigments?
In this case, organic means pigments that come from:
- Roots
- Plants
- Insects
- Carbon-based sources
These colors can be very rich and beautiful, but sometimes they aren't as lightfast (they may fade over time).
Plant-Based Organic Pigments
Many organic pigments come from roots, spices, or unusual sources like mango-fed cows!
- Rose Madder (from Madder Root): Rose madder comes from the root of a plant. It's a gorgeous red that's been used since 1500 BCE in places like Central Asia and Egypt. Fun fact: cloth dyed with madder root was found in King Tut's tomb!
- Curcumin (from Turmeric): Yep—turmeric! These dried turmeric roots create a stunning yellow. Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its bright color. I find it amazing that something from my kitchen spice rack can also be a source of pigment.
Animal-Based Organic Pigments
Some pigments come from insects. It sounds strange, but these tiny bugs pack a punch!
- Cochineal Bugs (for Carmine Red): These little dried bugs are milled and crushed to make carmine red pigment. I've crushed a few myself between sheets of paper—you can immediately see the red dye seep out.
When mixed with water, the result reminds me of herbal tea! This pigment has been used not just in painting, but in dyeing fabric, making lipstick, and even coloring food. Yes, if you've eaten red-colored snacks or worn red lipstick, you may have used cochineal bugs, too!
Synthetic Organic Pigments
These pigments don't exist in nature, but they're made using organic chemistry.
Synthetic organic pigments are some of the boldest, brightest colors in my palette. They're stable, consistent, and flow beautifully on the page.
Not all organic pigments come from nature. Some are created in labs using carbon-based compounds.
- Phthalo Blue: This synthetic pigment is so intense and vibrant! It flows beautifully on paper.
- Quinacridone Magenta: A gorgeous magenta that’s clear and rich.
- Azo Pigments: These lab-made colors are bold and highly reliable.
I love these synthetic organic pigments for their flow and transparency.
A Closer Look at Pigment Characteristics
Now that we’ve looked at the two pigment families, let’s take a closer look at how they behave.
Inorganic Pigment Traits and Behavior
Inorganic pigments tend to be more opaque and matte. When I use yellow ochre or raw umber, I notice they settle into the paper with a heavier feel. They’re not chalky, but they do feel solid, almost like gouache.
These pigments are also very lightfast, so they don’t fade much under sunlight. That’s a big win for long-term work!
Organic Pigment Traits and Behavior
Organic pigments are the opposite. They’re usually more transparent and fluid. When I paint with Indian yellow or phthalo blue, I notice how easily they spread, almost like ink.
They have finer pigment particles, so they flow more on wet paper. But many natural organic pigments, like rose madder, aren’t very lightfast. That’s something I always consider when choosing colors for a finished piece.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Pigments
I did a little side-by-side test on paper, and the differences are clear.
Texture, Flow, and Transparency Compared
- Inorganic pigments like yellow ochre are thicker and fill the paper more.
- Organic pigments like Indian yellow feel more fluid and translucent.
Inorganic colors often feel a bit like gouache—opaque and matte—while organic ones have a delicate, flowing nature.
Lightfastness and Durability of Each Type
- Inorganic pigments are usually more lightfast and stable.
- Organic pigments, especially natural ones, can fade over time.
That’s why synthetic versions exist—to replicate the color while improving performance.
How Pigment Type Affects Painting Behavior
In general:
- Inorganic pigments = more coverage, less bleeding
- Organic pigments = more flow, more bleeding, more transparency
Synthetic organic pigments like phthalo blue and quinacridone magenta bleed beautifully and behave more like ink. They’re amazing for washes and layering.
Choosing the Right Pigment for Your Art
Every pigment has its own personality, and choosing the right one depends on what you’re painting!
Picking Between Natural and Synthetic Colors
I ask myself: do I want a warm, earthy tone or a vivid, bright splash? That helps me choose between something like yellow ochre or phthalo blue.
When to Use Transparent vs. Opaque Paints
- Transparent pigments are perfect for glazing and subtle layers.
- Opaque pigments give strong, bold strokes that cover the paper well.
Sometimes I need both in the same painting—and that’s the beauty of having both families in my palette.
Let Your Painting Style Guide Your Choices
The best advice I can give is to try everything! Experiment with how each pigment feels on your brush and paper. It’s not just about color—it’s about how it flows, settles, and interacts with water.
Do I need a red? Great—but do I want a vibrant transparent red or a bold opaque one? Every choice matters.
The Bottom Line
Pigments are more than just color—they tell stories, carry history, and affect how we paint. Whether I’m using an ancient earth pigment or a modern synthetic hue, I love knowing what’s behind each color in my palette.
Which pigment do you reach for first—earthy ochre or electric phthalo blue? Give them both a try and feel the difference for yourself!