EARTH PIGMENT PAINT MAKING WORKSHOP AT THE JTH TUCSON
from $425
Saturday, February 17th, 2024 12 to 4 pm
Sunday, February 18th, 2024 12 to 4 pm
A two day workshop at our friends’ Rich and Sara’s beautiful inn the JTH TUCSON on how to make watercolor paint from dirt and rock. On the first day we'll gather soil and minerals, then grind them into refined pigments and begin the process for making fine artist grade paint. On the second day we'll learn how to mix the earth and mineral pigment into gum arabic to make watercolors. We'll end our time painting color study meditations with the watercolors we've made from the earth.
No previous experience required, all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. In each workshop there are fine artists looking to transition their studio practices to earth and mineral pigments as well as folks with no artistic background at all, only a desire to connect more deeply with the land and recover their creative selves. Children age 5 and up with a desire to learn to make paint are welcome to register as long as they come with a registered caregiver. There is enough one on one time built into the workshop to allow for all backgrounds and levels of experience.
SCHEDULE
Saturday
We'll begin with a history of natural pigments and reciprocal, leave-no-trace practices for collecting. Then we'll collect our own dirt and rocks, break them down, and begin the water refinement process to create fine art grade natural pigments.
Sunday
On the second day we'll learn how to mix binders into the refined pigments and pour them into trays for long term use. Then we'll experiment with making our own paintings using the watercolors made from earth. Each participant will take home watercolor paint made from Tucson dirt and rock and the skills to make their own paint from dirt and rock.
MATERIALS
Because in this workshop we welcome all backgrounds and levels of experience, we understand some of you may already have all or most of the required tools while others have none. With that understanding we offer two options for materials: you may bring your own or you may purchase them from us and have them waiting at the workshop for you.
Required materials:
mortar and pestle made of marble, stone, or ceramic (wood will not work)
fine sieve and funnel (one used for canning jam is fine)
a spoon for collecting dirt and rock
watercolor brush
watercolor palette canteen or tin and cup
watercolor notebook
paper palette
palette knife
small containers to store dirt, rock, and pigments
Titanium White watercolor, solid half pan
SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of scholarships are available, with a priority going to BIPOC. We had an unprecedented number of applicants this year and the scholarship spots have been filled. Thank you all so much for your interest, we are looking into funding for future workshop scholarships.
TRAVEL AND LODGING
Workshop participants are responsible for their own travel to and lodging in Tucson. For those traveling from out of town, the nearest airport is in Tucson. Lodging wise, the JTH TUCSON where the workshop is located.is full as of January 9th but our friend Emily Tartaglia has graciously shared her list of Tucson favorites. We also hear great things about Cat Mountain Lodge, the Arizona Inn, and Citrus Sol Casita. You are welcome to attend the workshop wherever you are staying.
REFUND POLICY
Due to the nature of these workshops and how much long term planning and preparation goes into each one, refunds cannot be given. Exchanging a workshop ticket for a future workshop may be possible and will be considered on a case by case basis.
We hope you will join us in learning the Art of Paint Making from Dirt and Rock under the saguaros.