Making Pigments with Plants: Pastel and Watercolor (two-day workshop)

Adult Summer Workshop | Available

New offering! All levels welcome.
7/19/2025-7/20/2025
10:00 AM-3:00 PM EDT on Sun Sat
$155.00
$140.00
$20.00

Making Pigments with Plants: Pastel and Watercolor (two-day workshop)

Adult Summer Workshop | Available

Ever wondered how artists make color from nature? Join artist and educator Elizabeth Shores for a two-day exploration of natural pigment-making using plants and other biodegradable materials. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn accessible techniques for creating watercolor and pastel pigments from plant-based sources, and will have time to experiment with their own handmade colors. Through guided demonstrations and open studio time, participants will gain insight into how pigments can be foraged, processed, and transformed into usable art materials—all while considering the environmental impact and creative possibilities of natural color. No experience necessary, and all materials will be provided.

What you will learn:
1 .Basic methods for making pigments from plants and organic materials.

2. How to turn those pigments into usable watercolor and pastel media.
3. An introduction to the principles of sustainable art-making.

This two-session workshop invites artists, makers, and the curious to reconnect with color through ecological, hands-on methods. 

  • • Notebook or sketchbook to take notes in
    • Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing
    • Apron or clothing you can get messy
    • Compostable, nontoxic things you discarded and/or found the day of the workshop

Elizabeth Shores