A hands-on journey into colour-making from the land.

Full day workshop
Saturday 26 April

11am - 4.30pm

Killyon Manor, Co. Meath.

Join me for a full-day Natural Pigment Workshop at Killyon Manor, Co. Meath. In this workshop, you'll delve into the art and science of creating pigments sourced from minerals, plants, and other natural materials. From transforming botanicals, plants, and berries into richly hued inks to exploring ancient methods of extracting ochres from the earth and mastering the technique of drawing colour from scrap copper and iron, you'll discover a world of possibilities.

As part of the experience, we'll take a guided foraging walk through the grounds of Killyon Manor, learning to identify, gather, and process colour-rich materials responsibly. You'll gain insight into sustainable foraging practices and how different landscapes offer unique pigment sources throughout the seasons.

Through hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance, you'll explore various techniques for extracting, processing, and utilizing these pigments in your artwork. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of colour, work directly with natural materials, and engage with the rich tradition of natural pigments.

We will cover:

• Easy to find tools and materials required for natural colour making.

• Best practices for foraging and working with the seasons.

• Plant identification and local ecology.

• Step by step guide to 3 colour making processes - grinding, extracting and boiling.

• How to use binders and preservatives.

• Exploring modifiers, tweaking PH levels, adding oxides and lightfastness of colour.

• How to track your recipes and experiments.

• Colour history and resources worth exploring.

• Site-responsive art and working with the land to create art.

No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands in the process.

✨ 15% of your fee supports Killyon Nature Reserve

You will also receive my LAND COLOUR book as part of the workshop. Wear an apron or old shirt and feel free to bring along your own colour experiments should you have any.

Limited to 10 spots.