The process involves combining finely ground pigments with a water-soluble binder to create a medium that can be diluted with water and applied to paper or other absorbent surfaces. The resulting paint is characterized by its transparency and ability to create luminous washes. For instance, combining a vibrant blue pigment with gum arabic and a touch of water yields a usable blue paint.
Creating personalized art materials offers significant advantages. It allows for precise control over color intensity, pigment quality, and binder characteristics, ensuring unique results. Historically, artists crafted their own paints, leading to profound innovations in artistic techniques and the exploration of diverse palettes. This practice fostered a deeper understanding of the materials and their properties.