EARTH PIGMENT PAINT MAKING WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN AT MOON HORSE RANCH
from $400
Saturday, August 17th 1 to 4 pm
Sunday, August 18th 1 to 4 pm
A two day workshop for children and parents at our little ranch south of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on how to make watercolor paint from dirt, rock, and sand. On the first day we'll gather dirt and rock, grind it into pigments, and begin the process for making paint. On the second day we'll learn how to mix the earth and mineral pigment into tree sap and honey to make watercolors. We'll end our time painting and playing with the watercolors we've made from the earth.
Each ticket includes one child and one grown up. Two children may attend with one grown up for an extra $50. This workshop is for children ages 4 and up. While teaching will be offered, there will be an emphasis on play and experimentation. Each child and parent is welcome to go at their own pace and play in the field as they learn and create.
SCHEDULE
Saturday
We'll begin with a history of natural pigments, leave-no-trace practices for collecting, and how to gather in relationship with the land. Then we'll collect our own dirt and rocks, break them down, and begin the water refinement process to create natural pigments.
Sunday
On the second day we'll learn how to mix tree sap and honey into the pigments and pour them into trays for long term safe keeping. Then we'll experiment with making our own paintings using the watercolors made from earth. Each child and parent will bring home watercolors made from Santa Fe dirt and rock and the skills to make their own paint from earth and mineral pigments.
MATERIALS
Because 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)
small trowel or spoon for collecting dirt and sand
watercolor brush
watercolor tin, pans, and cup
watercolor notebook
paper palette
palette knife
reusable small jars, bottles, or containers for storing rocks, dirt, and pigments
Children and parents are welcome to share one set of tools and materials. If you are bringing two children all three of you may share one set of tools and materials, or you are welcome to each bring your own if you prefer.
TRAVEL AND LODGING
Workshop participants are responsible for their own travel to and lodging in Santa Fe. For those traveling from out of town, the nearest airports are in Santa Fe, 20 minutes away, and Albuquerque, which is an hour drive away. Lodging wise, we recommend the El Rey Court, the Hotel St. Francis, or finding a place on Airbnb. The exact location of the workshop will be sent to registered participants the week before arrival. Moon Horse Ranch is 30 minutes south of downtown Santa Fe, between the villages of Cerillos and Galisteo.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of scholarships are available, with a priority going to BIPOC. To apply for a scholarship please see here.
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 at Moon Horse Ranch may be possible and will be considered on a case by case basis.
The workshop will be entirely outside in the open air under the western sky. We hope you and your child will join us in learning the Art of Paint Making from dirt, rock, and stone.