RCARA History:
The Raphael Cultural and Artistic Research Association, Inc. was formed September 29, 2011. It received its tax exempt status April of 2013. This association was created from the wish to bring awareness of plant color paints to public attention. These paints are an important part of Rudolf Steiner's painting impulse. We are also active in spreading the painting impulse of Rudolf Steiner and its further development in the works of Gerard Wagner.
In the spring of 2012, we purchased and planted rose madder plants on a biodynamic farm in central Texas to see if these plants would grow in Texas. The rose madder is one of the few flowering plants that produces red pigments suitable for making a color fast red paint. We continue to observe these plants and check for others that might produce the red pigment.
In October 2013 we selected the Indian Blanket wildflower and Coreopsis as two more possibilities for use in our future plant color laboratory and planted them on a private property in the Bastrop area. These flowers are common to the central Texas area and are known for producing orange and yellow pigments suitable for dyes. We will attempt to produce light fast paints when there are enough flowers for processing.
In the spring of 2014, we began to experiment with the rose (an unidentified wild growing simple red rose), trying first the solar extraction of pigment and then with alum bath. We were able to obtain some green pigment. Experimentation continues.
Through public presentations and demonstrations with the plant color paints and color blocks we hope to gain interest and support for the plant color paints. Our current activities include the Planet Trees Painting Workshop at the Lady BIrd Johnson Wildflower Center near Austin, Texas From June 21 to 27, 2014. We will paint for seven days using prepared plant colors and the plant color pigments.
2019 We have now located a building suitable for a plant colors laboratory and have begun the set up.
Our first experiments will be with a shrubby tree, Brasil wood, which has been used for making a blue dye. Future experiments are planned with Wild Indigo which grows along the Texas Gulf Coast and cultivated Rose Madder.
We strive to bring awareness and understanding of Rudolf Steiner's painting impulse by hosting workshops focused on painting his Nature Mood motifs and other paintings and sketches. Please refer to our Outreach section for information regarding current and future events.
In the spring of 2012, we purchased and planted rose madder plants on a biodynamic farm in central Texas to see if these plants would grow in Texas. The rose madder is one of the few flowering plants that produces red pigments suitable for making a color fast red paint. We continue to observe these plants and check for others that might produce the red pigment.
In October 2013 we selected the Indian Blanket wildflower and Coreopsis as two more possibilities for use in our future plant color laboratory and planted them on a private property in the Bastrop area. These flowers are common to the central Texas area and are known for producing orange and yellow pigments suitable for dyes. We will attempt to produce light fast paints when there are enough flowers for processing.
In the spring of 2014, we began to experiment with the rose (an unidentified wild growing simple red rose), trying first the solar extraction of pigment and then with alum bath. We were able to obtain some green pigment. Experimentation continues.
Through public presentations and demonstrations with the plant color paints and color blocks we hope to gain interest and support for the plant color paints. Our current activities include the Planet Trees Painting Workshop at the Lady BIrd Johnson Wildflower Center near Austin, Texas From June 21 to 27, 2014. We will paint for seven days using prepared plant colors and the plant color pigments.
2019 We have now located a building suitable for a plant colors laboratory and have begun the set up.
Our first experiments will be with a shrubby tree, Brasil wood, which has been used for making a blue dye. Future experiments are planned with Wild Indigo which grows along the Texas Gulf Coast and cultivated Rose Madder.
We strive to bring awareness and understanding of Rudolf Steiner's painting impulse by hosting workshops focused on painting his Nature Mood motifs and other paintings and sketches. Please refer to our Outreach section for information regarding current and future events.
