How to Use Plant + Mineral Watercolor Ink

Have you determined if this ink is right for you?

Great! Let’s learn how to use it! Lots of experimentation is required, so we will be on this journey together! Below I’ll outline things I’ve learned since developing and using this ink in my work.

The Basics: Colors Without Modifiers

Supplies + Getting Started

Paint Tray, Palette, or Inkwell

To avoid contamination of your ink, use a paint tray or inkwell. Using the plastic pipette provided for your ink, and add a small amount to your tray. Remember to use the pipette only for that ink (this is most important when using modifiers), and to clean it at the end of your painting session with clean water or isopropyl alcohol.

Paper

This ink performs best with thicker paper, such as watercolor, mixed media, or bristol paper. Watercolor paper is my favorite for this ink!

Tools

This ink was developed for use with paintbrushes, but I also use unconventional tools, such as bamboo skewers, cotton swabs, and natural objects. A note on dip pens: I will sometimes use this with a dip pen, but it’s thinner, and with some nibs, “scratchier” than, say, India ink. Adding glycerin or honey may solve this issue, so feel free to experiment!

Not suitable for fountain pens, as they may cause clogging.

Layering Single Colors

This ink was developed to build color by layering, so natural gradients can be achieved with just one ink. I prefer to let layers of color dry before adding subsequent layers, as I think it looks cleaner. Darkest shades are generally achieved with three layers.

Blending Multiple Colors

Blending multiple colors can be done either by layering on top of existing colors, or by premixing in a paint tray. Some colors may interact in unexpected ways, especially when using modifiers. Always test on a scratch piece of paper how inks interact with one another!

Using Modifiers

Modifiers are used to change the color of ink on the paper. I wait until the ink is fully dry before adding a single layer of Modifier over it. The exact process will be detailed below.

Modifying Colors

What are modifiers?

Our modifiers are used to brighten, lighten, darken, or completely change the color of natural ink. Results are often unpredictable, so refer to each ink profile to see how they react with each modifier, and do your own tests on scrap paper.

While there are exceptions, here’s the general action of each modifier:

The Sun - lightens, brightens, or erases color; occasionally shifts color (not to be used with The Moon)

The Moon - produces vibrant red, orange, or yellow shades; can shift color (not to be used with The Sun)

Mercury - can make colors bold; increases lightfastness; can shift color (can be used with any other modifier)

Mars - creates dark shades, especially brown, purple, and green; increases lightfastness; can shift color (can be used with any other modifier)

Shifting Colors

Colors can be shifted in two ways.

I prefer to paint my illustration fully, then shifting the color with a single layer of modifier once the ink has dried.

Alternately, you can premix your colored ink and desired modifier into a paint tray or palette. Not much modifier is needed, so go drop by drop until you get the desired color.

Multiple modifiers can be added to an ink, except for The Sun and The Moon, which counteract each other.

Caution + Best Practices

It’s imperative that if you want to keep the integrity of your bottled inks and modifiers, that something is used to keep your inks and modifiers separate (ie artists palette, mini cups, etc.). If modifiers are mixed with each other, or get into a bottle of ink, the colors and functions could be permanently altered.

To prevent this from happening, here are some best practices:

  • use the pipette included in your ink/modifier for that product only. Do not mix and match used pipettes.

  • use a separate paintbrush when using modifiers. For example, if you are using Mercury and Mars modifiers, keep a clean paintbrush for each. I mark mine with a permanent marker to help me keep track.