Wealden 2023

Pigment Making Workshop with Polly Bennett

Join artist Polly Bennett for a 2-hour pigment-making workshop using natural materials found in the surrounding area to create artist’s pigments and paints.

In this pigment-making workshop, participants will learn how to grind and purify natural pigment and subsequently turn the finished pigment into paint. The pigment used will come from earth sourced from nearby the location of the workshop, celebrating a sense of place and environmentally-friendly practices. At the end of the workshop, you will take home a hand-painted colour chart, purified pigment and watercolour paint.

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IMPORTANT: Please bring a glass jar and lid. Everything else is provided.

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In the workshop participants learn:

• The historical origins of pigment
• Responsibilities and health & safety of collecting natural materials and processing pigment
• About different binders, specifically gum arabic and its history and sustainability
• About different types of natural pigment: mineral (inc. shell – calcium carbonate), metal compound, animal, plant, charcoal
• How to identify and use natural artist materials
• How to grind, sieve and purify mineral into pigment
• How to create watercolour paint with raw pigment

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Participants take home:

• Handout with notes and reading recommendations
• Hand-painted colour wheel
• Watercolour paint
• Purified pigment that they can continue to purify more at home

Age 8+

Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult