This course will offer a practical understanding of earth pigments found in the UK and how to use these in your art practice. You will gain an insight into your tutor’s art-making process, the evolution of making with foraged materials, including the ecological respect born of geological and historical understanding, alongside hands-on pigment processing and paint-making demonstrations. You will use a range of traditional binders such as gum Arabic, egg, linseed/poppy oil and acrylic medium. Buckets, cups, sieves, pestles and mortars, muller and glass will be provided for processing pigments and paints for the duration of the course. You will make work both in the studio and out in the environment of West Dean.

In addition to pigments gathered in your tutor’s native Devon and Cornwall, you will be invited to gather materials from the locality. You will then develop familiarity with these materials and processes through experimentation and self-expression. You will be asked to produce and reflect upon your work(s) both individually and communally to assimilate your newfound knowledge and experience in relation to the immanent West Sussex ecology.

Whatever we think or believe about the condition of the contemporary world, open-minded contact with the materials and processes with which it is made can only further enrich and inform our lives.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all the materials, including: 500g raw and processed earth pigments from North Devon and Cornwall Paper, 6 x 1.5 metre pieces of raw canvas A range of binders, including gum Arabic, linseed/poppy oil, egg and PVA glue/acrylic medium with respective dilutants and extenders (vinegar, siccative, soap and vegetable oil)

What students need to bring

• Additional brushes, mark-making tools, paper and surfaces for personal experimentation
• Containers/bags for gathering materials
• Camera for documenting work in progress
• Outdoor clothing (waterproofs, boots, etc.)

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials

Available from tutor: 500g raw and processed earth pigments from North Devon and Cornwall will be included in the course fee, but if you wish to purchase more, this will be available from your tutor (card payment available).

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions