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Natural Ink Experiments in the Studio

In preparation for my collaboration with Lincoln Peak Vineyard this fall, I’ve been experimenting with berry-based natural ink in the studio. Each batch reveals something new—unexpected colors, shifts in tone with different modifiers, and the unique, ephemeral nature of these pigments.


Natural ink including wild grape and buckthorn berry

How Natural Berry Inks Are Made

Berry inks are created by harvesting ripe berries, crushing them, and adding a small amount of water or alcohol to help with straining. The pulp is removed, leaving behind the concentrated pigment, and a few drops of clove oil are added to prevent mold. The result is a rich, organic ink that carries the essence of its source.


Ink vs. Powdered Natural Pigments

Unlike the powdered pigments I’ve worked with in the past, berry inks are much more delicate. Powdered pigments are preserved in dry form, making them more stable and long-lasting, while berry inks are prone to mold and fading over time. Their impermanence, however, is part of their beauty.


My Favorite Berry Inks

Some of the best berry inks I’ve worked with so far include:

  • Wild grape (purple to blue)

  • Buckthorn (green to yellow)

  • Barberry (pale pink to brown)

  • Pokeberry (bright magenta)

Each of these berries produce a range of colors depending on how they’re treated. Modifiers like iron water, pH adjustments, or layering inks on top of one another can create surprising and dynamic shifts in color.


The Ephemeral Nature of Berry Inks

Lightfastness—the ability of a color to resist fading over time—is one of the biggest challenges with berry inks. Most are considered fugitive, meaning they will fade significantly, sometimes in just days or weeks. But rather than seeing this as a flaw, I embrace it as part of their story.

Artists have traditionally sought colors that will endure for centuries, and for good reason—we want control over our work’s longevity. But today, art is being consumed digitally more than ever before. High-quality fine art prints, made with archival materials, allow us to preserve the fleeting beauty of these natural inks. This opens up a new dialogue between the original, impermanent artwork and its lasting reproduction.


Want to Experiment with Natural Inks?

If you're intrigued by the magic of natural inks, I’m planning a friends-only paint & sip event at Lincoln Peak Vineyard soon. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to receive an invitation when it goes out!


Mira

Artist, Growing In Process

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