Dry your pigment, such as ochre, in the sun for three to four days to be sure it is completely dry. You may purchase natural pigments at specialty art supply stores or from an industrial supplier.
Put on a dust mask before you start this project. It will protect you from any fine dust. Place the pigment in the middle of a piece of cheesecloth. Enclose it by twisting the sides together to form a bag. Twist the cheesecloth until it is tight and secure.
Hit the pigment inside the cheesecloth with a mallet to pulverize it. Pound it a few times to grind it into a fine powder.
Strain the pulverized pigment through a metal sieve to remove any lumps or rocks. Transfer the powder into a mortar and pestle. Grind it as finely as you can with the pestle.
Mix a small amount of your ground pigment with an equal amount of mineral turpentine to create a paste. The paste should be stiff and crumbly and you may add more pigment or turpentine to achieve the right consistency. This paste may be stored in a glass jar until you need to use it.
MIx 1 part pigment paste,1 part glycerin, 2 parts gum arabic, 4 parts distilled water, and 2 drops of phenol, which is a preservative, to create watercolor or gouache paint. Store in a glass jar in a cool, dry location.
Mix 1 part pigment paste to 1 part acrylic paint binder, which is found at most art stores, to create acrylic paint. Store in a glass jar until needed.
Heat 7 ounces of linseed oil in a double boiler until the oil darkens. Add 1 ounce of beeswax until it is completely mixed. Allow this mixture to cool and store in a glass jar until you need to use it. Prepare the oil paint by adding 2 parts oil mixture to 1 part pigment paste. Store oil paint in a glass jar in a cool, dry location.