Earth pigment series

I have started a collection of pieces that I am doing now mainly utilising earth pigments. These are small works – some on canvas panels and others on Atlantis 400gsm paper. I have also used encaustic waxes on one of the pieces. It is fascinating using these earth pigments, especially when I am able to grind and process them myself. The experience is visceral and there is a primordial connection when I touch the pigment with my fingers.

Initially, I used finely processed earth pigments from Cornwall and Devon such as Peppercombe Red (280 million years old), Fremington Yellow (40,000 years old) and Fremington Grey (350 million years old)

I then obtained some raw pigments to get a feel for processing them myself:

Below is a tiny test panel where I ground some of the raw pigment myself and used various binders. From top down: Leswidden white, Trevallas green, Gunwalloe gold, Meeth white, Perranuthanoe ochre, Leswidden white, Bideford black

Raw pigment test on tiny canvas

These are some of the pieces that I have created so far:

‘Come with me … to the sea’

‘Come with me … to the sea’ Earth pigments, acrylics and inks on canvas panel. 20x20cm square

‘Take me to the River’

‘Take me to the River’ Tissue collage, Earth pigments, acrylics and inks on Atlantis 400gsm paper

‘Last walk around Mirror Lake’

‘Last walk around Mirror Lake’ Collage, Earth pigments, acrylics, inks and beeswax/ encaustic paints on Atlantis 400gsm paper 29x20cm (however this is now framed and is 45x33cm in the frame)

‘Winter Thaw’

‘Winter thaw’ Earth pigments, acrylics on Atlantis 400 gsm paper 20x14cm

If anyone is interested in purchasing one of these items, or would like a commission, please contact me.