You can paint with a Latin American insect to discover new colors. An artist in CT shows how.

Discovering New Colors with Cochineal Insects

An artist in Connecticut is using a unique tool to create art - the cochineal insect, native to Latin America.

Mexican artist María Vargas led an art workshop in Stonington, where she taught participants how to use dye from these insects to create vibrant colors.

“My goal with this workshop was to teach about a natural material that comes from an insect and how it is very sensitive to different conditions,”

Vargas said, adding that this sensitivity brings out the most intense colors. The cochineal insects, also known as "grana cochinillas", are tiny, round scale insects found on the nopal or prickly pear cactus in subtropical Central and South America.

Vargas' workshop was part of her residency with the Expressiones Cultural Center, where she shared her expertise on using natural materials in art.

Author's summary: Artist uses cochineal insects to create art.

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Connecticut Public Connecticut Public — 2025-10-17

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