Introduction

The Alchemist's Palette is a deep dive into the origins of color, an artistic journey that begins not in a tube, but in the forests, streams, and rocky shores of the Oregon Coast. This project is dedicated to the meticulous process of creating completely natural artist materials, foraged and processed by hand in small batches to ensure the highest quality and ecological sustainability. Each pigment tells a story of its origin: deep blacks from charred vineyard wood, vibrant yellows from native lichens, rich ochres from clay deposits, and stunning blues derived from locally harvested mussel shells.

Our process is slow and respectful of the environment. We forage with care, never taking more than a small percentage of any available resource and always during the correct season to ensure plant regeneration and minimal ecosystem impact. The transformation from raw material to usable pigment involves traditional techniques like grinding, levigation, and mulling, often taking weeks or even months to achieve the perfect consistency and color saturation. These pigments are then carefully blended with binders like walnut oil for paint, gum arabic for watercolors, or egg tempera for a truly medieval experience.

The resulting paints and inks possess a unique character and depth that mass-produced synthetic pigments cannot replicate. They granulate differently on paper, interact with light in subtle ways, and carry the very essence of the Pacific Northwest landscape within them. This project is not just about producing art supplies; it is about reconnecting artists with the natural world and the historical roots of their craft. We will be providing detailed information on the source and properties of each color, allowing artists to understand the story behind every stroke.

Funding from this campaign will allow us to scale our foraging and production safely and ethically, invest in professional-grade milling equipment, and develop a full range of colors for a starter set. We will also be able to package our materials in reusable glass jars and tins, aligning with our commitment to zero-waste principles. By supporting The Alchemist's Palette, you are preserving ancient knowledge and empowering artists to create with materials that are truly alive.

The Problem

Modern art supplies are often full of synthetic chemicals and plastics, disconnecting artists from the natural origins of color and creating environmental waste.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide artists with a sustainable, beautiful, and meaningful alternative by creating a viable market for locally foraged, handcrafted art materials.

How Your Contribution Will Be Used

Funds will be used for sustainable foraging permits, laboratory testing for lightfastness and safety, production equipment, and the development of elegant, eco-friendly packaging.

Stretch Goals

Exceeding our goal will allow us to host foraging and paint-making workshops and expand our palette to include colors from other unique North American biomes.

Why This Matters

This project supports local ecosystems, reduces reliance on industrial chemicals, and revives a valuable and almost lost artistic heritage.

Rewards for Donors

• $10 – A digital guide to basic foraging for color in your area.
• $20 – A small vial of one signature foraged pigment (random color).
• $30 – A set of three sample vials of our most popular pigments.
• $50 – A full set of five watercolor pans made with our foraged pigments.
• $100 – The complete starter set of paints, a brush, and detailed guidance.
• $250 – A master collection with every color we produce, plus a personal foraging tour if you're local.

Support Us

Help us turn the landscape into art. Support The Alchemist's Palette and become part of a movement to create art that is deeply connected to the earth.