Are your watercolors handmade?
Yes, all of our watercolors are carefully handcrafted in Italy in small batches, following a traditional artisan process that prioritizes quality over mass production.
Each color is made starting from raw pigments, which are slowly and thoroughly mixed with a natural binder composed of high-quality gum arabic, local honey, and a small amount of rosemary essential oil. The gum arabic, sourced from the Acacia Senegal tree, is first dissolved and carefully filtered to remove any impurities, then blended with other natural ingredients to create a smooth and stable base for the paint.
The pigments and binder are then combined and hand-mulled on a glass slab. This step is essential to ensure that the pigment particles are evenly dispersed, resulting in rich, vibrant, and highly performing colors. Because this process is done by hand, it allows for a level of control and attention to detail that industrial production cannot achieve.
Once the paint reaches the desired consistency, it is poured by hand into pans. Each pan is filled multiple times over several weeks as the paint slowly dries and settles, creating a dense and long-lasting watercolor. This slow curing process helps ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Finally, every pan is individually checked, cleaned, and finished by hand. Labels are printed on fine watercolor paper and hand-painted, and each product is carefully assembled and wrapped.
This artisanal approach means that every color is unique and made with great care, offering a painting experience that reflects both tradition and craftsmanship.