Why I use handmade watercolor paints
As artists, the materials we choose impact not just our creations but also our health and the environment. One of the most compelling reasons to shift to non-toxic pigments and natural watercolor paints is the growing awareness of the hidden dangers in traditional art supplies. Heavy metals like cobalt and cadmium, commonly found in conventional paints, can pose serious risks to health and ecosystems. Meanwhile, handmade watercolors from small often women-owned businesses offer safer, sustainable, and more inspiring options.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why non-toxic pigments are the future of art-making, how they compare to mass-produced options, and the magic of handmade paints crafted with care. Let’s dive in!
What Are Handmade Watercolors?
Handmade watercolors are typically derived from natural or synthetic sources that minimize or eliminate harmful substances like heavy metals. Unlike traditional paints containing cadmium (used for bright reds and yellows) or cobalt (popular in blues), non-toxic pigments prioritize safety without compromising on quality or vibrancy.
- Cobalt and Cadmium Hazards:
- Cadmium, classified as a carcinogen, can harm the lungs and kidneys if inhaled or ingested over time.
- Cobalt exposure has been linked to respiratory issues, particularly for those frequently handling or mixing powdered pigments.
Non-toxic alternatives, like handmade earth pigments, avoid these hazards by focusing on natural materials such as ochres, siennas, and umbers—earthy tones that not only inspire but protect.
Why Choose Natural Watercolor Paints Over Conventional Options?
Switching to natural watercolor paints isn’t just about health—it’s also about embracing a more ethical, sustainable approach to art-making.
1️⃣ Handmade Watercolor Paints are Safer for You
When you paint with handmade non-toxic pigments, you’re avoiding the risks of heavy metal exposure. Traditional paints may release harmful particles into the air during use or leave residues on your hands and tools. Even small, repeated exposures can accumulate, posing health risks over time.
In contrast, natural watercolor paints are crafted from minerals, clays, and plant-based binders, offering a safer alternative without sacrificing vibrancy or quality.
2️⃣ Handmade Watercolor Paints are Safer for the Environment
The art industry’s reliance on heavy metals like cadmium and cobalt contributes to pollution during mining, production, and disposal. These toxins can leach into waterways, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
Handmade paints are often created using low-impact, small-scale methods. Ensure your preferred paint maker prioritizes ethical sourcing and sustainability, reducing their environmental footprint and promoting eco-conscious artistry.
3️⃣ Natural Watercolor Paints Offer Unique Colors and Textures
Mass-produced paints are designed for uniformity, but handmade natural watercolor paints celebrate variation. Each batch may have subtle differences, offering unique tones and textures that elevate your artwork.
Beam Paints, for example, specializes in richly pigmented watercolors inspired by Indigenous traditions and the Canadian landscape. Their colors are bold, organic, and tell a story of connection to the earth.
4️⃣ Transparency in Ingredients
With handmade paints, you know exactly what’s in your materials. Handmade watercolor makers prioritize ingredient transparency, listing every component of their non-toxic pigments so you can paint with confidence. In contrast, many commercial brands use proprietary formulas, leaving you guessing about potential risks.
5️⃣ Supporting Independent Makers
Every purchase of handmade natural watercolor paints supports small businesses and independent artisans. Handmade watercolor makers don’t just sell paints—they share a passion for craftsmanship, tradition, and sustainability.
When you choose handmade paints, you’re investing in a product created with care and intention, often reflecting the values of the artist behind it.
Spotlight on Beam Paints, Case for Making, and L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts
Beam Paints
Beam Paints is a standout for anyone seeking high-quality, non-toxic pigments. Based in Canada, Beam Paints combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern artistry. Their watercolors are made from hand-gathered pigments, beeswax, and tree sap, resulting in vibrant, environmentally friendly paints. The aesthetic of their packaging—wooden palettes that double as travel-friendly kits—makes their products as beautiful as they are functional.
Case for Making
Case for Making, located in San Francisco, is another favorite for lovers of natural watercolor paints. This brand handcrafts their paints in small batches, ensuring consistency and quality. Their pigment-rich watercolors emphasize luminous, earthy tones, perfect for artists who want depth and texture. They also offer workshops, making them a hub for creative exploration.
L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts
LDBA Studio focuses on modern, minimal packaging paired with richly pigmented, small-batch paints. Their products embody the spirit of slow living—encouraging artists to savor the process of creation. Their commitment to clean, non-toxic pigments ensures that their paints are as safe as they are stunning.
The Case Against Cobalt and Cadmium
If you’re still on the fence, let’s take a closer look at the risks of cobalt and cadmium pigments.
1️⃣ Cadmium
Cadmium-based pigments are prized for their vibrant hues, particularly in yellows, oranges, and reds. However:
- Cadmium is a heavy metal and a known carcinogen.
- Inhalation of cadmium dust during mixing or sanding poses a significant health risk.
- Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination, affecting water supplies and soil.
2️⃣ Cobalt
Cobalt-based blues are beloved for their deep, rich tones. Unfortunately:
- Cobalt exposure can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
- Mining cobalt contributes to significant environmental degradation and often involves unethical labor practices.
Switching to non-toxic pigments eliminates these risks while supporting a cleaner, safer art industry.
Creating with Confidence: Practical Tips for Artists using Non-Toxic Pigments
If you’re ready to embrace natural watercolor paints and prioritize non-toxic art practices, here are a few tips to get started:
1️⃣ Transition Gradually
You don’t have to replace your entire collection overnight. Start with a few handmade paints in your favorite colors— I love the earthy terra cottas and warm ochre. Experiment and let your collection grow over time.
2️⃣ Consider the Lightfast Properties
As with mass-produced watercolors, natural watercolor paints can also be unstable and fade over time. I love that you can filter for Lightfast paints on the Case For Making website but all paint makers will be able to tell you how lightfast their pigments are.
- Quick tip: pinks and neons are often unstable – check with the paint maker.
- If you want to learn more about Lightfast paints and their importance, check out this post.
- Case For Making makes this a little easier with the filter function on their website. Be sure to filter for Lightfast pigments if that is important to you!
The Magic of Non-Toxic, Handmade Watercolors
Using non-toxic pigments and natural watercolor paints isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about embracing a deeper connection to your art. Handmade paints carry a story, a sense of place, and a commitment to sustainability. They challenge the idea that art supplies must come from anonymous factories, instead celebrating the hands that create them.
Whether you’re drawn to the bold colors of Beam Paints, the earthy tones of Case for Making, or the minimalist charm of LDBA Studio, there’s a world of safer, more meaningful paints waiting to inspire your creativity.
Conclusion: Why Non-Toxic Pigments Matter
Choosing non-toxic pigments is more than a trend—it’s a movement toward healthier, more sustainable art practices. By shifting away from traditional cobalt and cadmium-based paints, you’re protecting your health, preserving the environment, and supporting independent makers who care about their craft.
Handmade paints like those from Beam Paints, Case for Making, and LDBA Studio offer a safer, more inspiring alternative to mass-produced options. Their commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability makes them a favorite among artists seeking to make a positive impact through their work.
So why wait? Start your journey with natural watercolor paints today, and experience the joy of creating with colors that are as safe as they are beautiful.
Looking for more info about watercolor paints before you buy check out my Free Watercolor Supply Guide here!
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