Introduction to Natural Paintmaking

Ever wonder where artists would source their colors before synthetic pigments and paints? From plants, minerals, insects, mushrooms, and earths. Hunting color was one of the most important jobs of the artist - which also added a historical and cultural dimension to the work. 

In this workshop, you'll learn to extract color from locally abundant plants and turn them into pigment, which can be transformed into various styles of paint. Then there will be ample time to explore the paints, playing with color modifiers and application techniques.  

The workshop structure will be as follows:

- Introductions

- Extracting a spectrum of color from local plants

- Creating lake pigments to solidify the natural color

- Recipes for turning a dry lake pigment into watercolor, tempera, and oil paints.

- Color modifiers and painting a color palette 

- Unstructured creative time to paint to your heart's content 

Using natural paints in your own art practice can be a truly fulfilling way to make your art practice more sustainable and meaningful. Not a painter? No worries, I never thought I was either! However, I've found that playing with natural paints has been a fun and intuitive way to be creative. Natural paints have an incredible ability to look great no matter what you do! 

All participants will go home with a color palette of the paints we made, samples of the wet lake pigments, their artworks, and a detailed digital booklet to continue making natural paints from home.  

All materials are included, even snacks and tea!

FAQ:

How do I get there? 

The workshop will be held at Tinctorium Studio in Abóboda, São Domingos de Rana (close to Carcavelos!). By public transport you can take the train from Lisbon to Carcavelos (line to Cascais from Cais do Sodré), I'll coordinate a pickup from the station to the studio or you can do the last bit by bus or uber. 

What language will the workshop be taught in? 

The workshop will be primarily taught in English, but anything can be repeated or clarified in Portuguese. 

Do I need to bring anything?

All materials are included in the enrollment price, but it's recommended to bring a pen and something to write on, appropriate clothing that can get dirty, and a hat or sunscreen since we will be outside. 

What if I have to cancel? 

Ticket purchases are fully refundable up to a week before the start of the workshop, 50% reimbursement within the week, and no reimbursement within 48 hours. 

There is an enormous amount of preparation and planning that goes into each workshop, so unfortunately I'm unable to fulfil refunds in the days leading up. If you can't make it last minute, I recommend finding someone who would love to spend the day creating color from plants to take your place. Thank you for your understanding.