Foraging Color – Creating Watercolors from Natural Material
Instructor – Dr. Alison Webb – biologist & artist
September 14, 2024
10 am – 3 pm
Class size – 12
Location Cultus Bay Gardens
Embark on a unique journey into the world of colors, sourced directly from nature. In this workshop, we delve into the art of creating pigments and paints from natural sources. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that involves foraging for pigments in nature, gaining insights into local ecology, and learning the art of responsible foraging.
During this workshop, we will identify local color sources, prepare pigment extractions, convert the dye bath into insoluble lake pigments, and finally mull the strained lake pigments into their final form of watercolor paints. Participants will create a pallet of 6 half pan watercolors and one ink vial and leave with the knowledge to create their own foraged paints. The class’s color palette will change with the seasons and reflect the local availability of foraged plants, fungi, & earth.
Bring your lunch and be treated to homemade pie and beverages from Mary Fisher.
Alison Webb is a biologist that went from academia to offering workshops in both mushroom id, felting and making paint from natural materials. She taught our mushroom felting class earlier this year which was so fun!
Schedule:
Introduction talk
Nature walk, collection
Prepare pigment extractions
Lake pigment reaction
Lunch break
Pigment binder recipe
Mulling lake pigments
Color modification with iron
Assemble watercolor paint pallets
Paint swatches & techniques
Closing comments
