Greenweed Lake Pigment

Description

Greenweed Lake is a natural botanical pigment created by extracting the brilliant yellow dye from the flowering tops of Genista tinctoria (commonly called dyer's greenweed or dyer's broom) and precipitating it onto a mineral substrate of alum and chalk. The resulting lake pigment produces a lively, warm yellow with a subtle greenish undertone, offering a fresh and natural vibrancy typical of traditional plant based yellows.

In watercolor, Greenweed Lake provides delicate transparent washes with a soft radiance. In egg tempera and oil, it yields luminous glazes ideal for botanical illustration, historical painting, and early Renaissance palette reconstruction. Its natural warmth harmonizes beautifully with blues and greens, making it an excellent component for mixing historical greens before the invention of synthetic pigments.

History

Dyer's greenweed has been used since the pre-history as a source of yellow dye for textiles before even weld was introduced from the East. It was especially prized in Europe for its clarity and brightness, used both alone and in combination with woad or indigo to produce rich green shades for tapestries, manuscripts, and sacred textiles.

In art, greenweed derived lakes provid an important plant based alternative to mineral yellows like yellow ochre and orpiment, allowing artists greater flexibility in palette building via a transparent, rich yellow. Its use was especially common in manuscript illumination, panel painting, and botanical studies, where delicate, transparent yellows were desired. In "Cookmaid with Still Life of Vegetables and Fruit" by Sir Nathaniel Bacon, Greenweed Lake is used throughout the vegetables and fruit to create the great variety of yellow and green shades when mixed.

Although less permanent than some mineral based pigments, Greenweed Lake remains a favorite among artists dedicated to traditional, natural color sources and historical painting techniques.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural botanical lake pigment from Genista tinctoria (dyer's greenweed) on mineral substrate
Source: Extraction from Genista tinctoria
Origin: Europe (natural)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil (glazing), Acrylic
Lightfastness: Moderate (best for protected works)
Opacity: Transparent to Semi-transparent
Other Names: Dyer's Greenweed Lake, Genista Lake, Greenweed Yellow, Broom Lake
Color Index Code: NY2
Image: "Cookmaid with Still Life of Vegetables and Fruit" by Sir Nathaniel Bacon from the Tate

Health and Safety

• For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
• Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
• Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
• Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
• If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
• Safety Data Sheet available on request.