Oregon Mineral Color in Water Based Media

Have you been wondering how to make your own paint from local soils and minerals? In this workshop, the instructor will cover ethical mineral foraging and participants will take minerals from their raw state all the way to finished, artist quality paint. There will be a strong emphasis on experimentation through exploring the qualities of the minerals at every stage of the process. The group will compare a variety of pigment binders including gum arabic, wax, and egg tempera, creating unique textures on paper. Participants will leave with a set of handmade watercolor paints and the knowledge to make a variety of drawing and painting materials at home in the future.

Carolyn Sweeney is an artist who teaches classes on mineral pigment watercolors, botanical inks, and crayon making. She runs a business called Strata Ink selling handmade inks and crayons. She has a BA in Fine Art from Whitman College, but her most treasured knowledge has come from time spent on the land and tending to her experiments in the studio.

Variety of watercolor and drawing papers for swatching and experimenting

Variety of water based media brushes

Notebook

Pencil

Dust mask

2 pint or quart glass jars with lids (clean reused jars are fine)

Small containers with watertight lids

Water cup for rinsing brush when painting

Set of measuring spoons that will not be used in the kitchen in the future

fine tip sharpie

Minerals

Earth pigments

Mortar and pestels

Mullers and mulling slabs

Watercolor binder

Soy wax

Pots

Filters

Spoons

Palette knives

Paint pans

Eggs