Greenweed Lake

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.

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

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: PY2