The Anthotype emulsion database is a collection of anthotypes that artists have contributed on World Anthotype Day. Find an emulsion for your anthotype and learn from other artists’ notes.
- The 2022 Book: Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 1
- The 2023 Book: Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2
- The 2024 Book: Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3
- The 2025-2026 Book: Planned for autumn 2026
The mission of World Anthotype Day: Find unusual emulsions
We are looking for UNUSUAL and UNIQUE emulsions. Some have been used several times, so try to find a new one. The point of World Anthotype Day is to grow the database of DIFFERENT emulsions as possible. Here are the most common ones (so please find something else):
– Algae, spirulina (Spirulina maxima)
– Annatto seed of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana)
– Avocado (Persea americana)
– Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa)
– Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
– Black turtle bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
– Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
– Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosom)
– Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis)
– Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea)
– Chard, common (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla)
– Paprika / Red pepper (Capsicum annuum varietals)
– Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
– Raspberry, common (Rubus idaeus)
– Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubia)
– Saffron crocus / Zaran saffron (Crocus sativus)
– Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
– Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
– Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Using mixes of plants and pigments
Experimenting with plant and pigment mixes is a wonderful way to explore new possibilities – and we absolutely encourage it! However, for World Anthotype Day, please only submit a mix if it truly stands out. Since the database aims to help artists find distinct new emulsions, only send your mix if it offers something exceptional – like noticeably better colour, contrast, or stability. In short: experiment as much as you like, but only share it if it is exceptional. Using a mix, it should also be something that others can replicate, since the database is to enable others to use the information. Make sure to include an image containing ALL pigments used in one image.
The complete list of anthotype emulsions used for World Anthotype Day
Sorted by year: 2026 emulsions
We thought we’d give you a heads-up so you can put these events on your calendar for 2026. Our Calendar event and our Special Members Only event are for Supporting…
“Pelvis” by Dietlinde DuPlessis, Laramie, Wyoming and Tucson, Arizona, USA
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: A few leaves
Extracted by: Mortar
Solvent: Tap water
Application: Dipping
“Delicate Flowers” by Katia Weibel, Näfels, Switzerland
Parts used: Peels
Amount: Peels of 3 potatoes (2 handfuls)
Extracted by: Cut into small pieces
Solvent: Alcohol
Application: Brushing
This Anthotype database of emulsions will grow each year on World Anthotype Day when artists add to the knowledge bank. If you can, please support this free resource by becoming a supporting member or making a donation. Much appreciated!
To take part, use the link:
“Druvfläder” by Ambjörn Jansson, Sweden
Parts used: Berries
Amount: A handful (quite a big hand!)
Extracted by: Mortar
Solvent: A tablespoon of alcohol (isopropyl)
Application: Brushing
“Papery Lace” by Jen Perena, Rochester, New York, USA
Parts used: Dried flowers
Amount: 2 tablespoons
Extracted by: Boiling (to make tea)
Solvent: Tap water
Application: Brushing
“Strawberry Fields” by Palle Lindgaard-Jørgensen, Naerum, Copenhagen, Denmark
Parts used: Berries
Amount: A small handful
Extracted by: Mortar
Thinner: Tap water
Application: Brushing
“Flowers and Grasses” by Debbie Bentley, Wiggins, Colorado, USA
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: 8 cut stems from the plant in the greenhouse, which I grew from seed. I used the leaves I removed, weighing 41 grams
Extracted by: Boiled the leaves in water for 10 minutes, then soaked them in the hot water for another 10 minutes. I then crushed the drained leaves with a mortar
Solvent: 1/2 cup of 91% Alcohol
Application: Brushing
“A is for Anthotype” by Lyndsay Cedarwood, East Sussex, England
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: 5 stems with 3 leaves each on them
Extracted by: Leaves bunched in fingers, then twisted and torn
Solvent: No solvent
Application: Rubbing
“Red Maple” by Laurinda Bellew, Wiltshire, UK
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: Three large leaves
Extracted by: Mortar
Solvent: Tap water
Application: Brushing
Rated 9,8 - based on 224 votes
Rated 10 - based on 2 votes
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