January 2016: While undertaking private tuition under Christina Mamakos in Marylebone, London, Hana Artist (Hana Towobola) produced an early sketch, (shown), that first drew her attention to the properties of art materials. Later that year, while studying Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain with Linda Jo Russell, at Otis College of Art, she raised concerns regarding the safety of graphite pencils. She was reassured by the presence of the AP (Approved Product) certification, yet the experience initiated a deeper inquiry into the material safety of art supplies

January 2018:  While studying Colour Theory with Douglas Meyer at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Los Angeles, Hana develops a strong physiological aversion to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by conventional solvents and paints, such as white spirit and gouache. This reinforced her growing unease about the impact of art materials on human health.

January 2019: During studies in equestrian painting with Caroline Towning, London, Hana's discomfort with the toxic smell of oil paints further solidified her commitment to pursuing alternatives.

April 2020: Initial experiments were undertaken to formulate a sustainable, plant-based paint using organic materials such as blueberries and toothpaste. These prototypes proved unstable, with colour fading and evaporation over time.

April 2020 - July 2020: A systematic investigation of thousands of plants was conducted to identify species capable of producing reliable pigments. This extensive research provided the scientific foundation for Placrylic.

July 2020: The first stable formulations of Placrylic were achieved at Chelsea Bridge Apartments, London. Early works were created using Green Placrylic, marking the inception of the medium.

June 2021: Blue Chip Artist, Keith Coventry, the first to test Placrylic, commended the innovation of the black pigment derived from coconut shells.

July 2021: Further refinements improved stability, handling properties, and chromatic intensity, enabling wider application by professional artists.

November 2022: Placrylic was endorsed by Dana Thomas, Sustainability Editor of Vogue, at the Placrylic Art Fair held at Middlethorpe Hall, Yorkshire. The exhibition, themed Migration, featured works executed exclusively in a restricted palette of eco-conscious pigments (blue, yellow, green, and black).

March 2023: Placrylic entered academic and institutional collections, including the Library of London College of Communication, the University of the Arts London. Rigorous light-fastness tests were undertaken, exposing Placrylic works to direct outdoor sunlight to assess the durability and longevity of the pigments.

August 2023: The development of a sustainable red pigment completed the Placrylic palette.

November 2023: A formal focus PhD group convened by Camberwell College of the arts, University of the Arts London, provided independent evaluation of the medium’s performance.

November 2024: Rigorous lightfastness tests were undertaken, exposing Placrylic works to direct outdoor sunlight to assess the durability and longevity of the pigments.

September 2025: Placrylic underwent rebranding with new sustainable packaging, and pricing was adjusted to reflect its purity and ecological value. Recognition was received from sustainability organisation Blue Patch, and artists including Dawn Okoro and Alec Monopoly tried the medium.  Research into new plant-based pigments continues, with hot pink currently the core focus