In this hands-on workshop, you will discover how to make your own art supplies from wild-foraged and homegrown plants. You’ll come away with natural painting and drawing supplies, and the skills and confidence to continue creating with the plants in your own local environment.

With tutors Emma Cowan and Sarah Nicholson, you will learn to make:
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Artists’ Charcoal

First you’ll learn to make artist’s drawing charcoal sticks, discover which woods work well, how to prepare them, how to make a simple charcoal kiln, and how to make smudge-proof charcoal!

Carbon Black Ink

Then you’ll be guided through the process of making your own rich black ink for drawing, painting and lettering, and learn an ancient recipe for all-natural, water-resistant black ink.
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Dip Pens

With foraged materials, we will craft simple and effective dip pens, that can be styled to suit many nib types for script or line drawings.

Tannin-based Inks

Learn how to extract rich earthy tones from tannin-rich materials such as barks, leaves, husks and cones. These types of inks have been used for centuries by master artists, and are excellent for writing, drawing and painting. Perfect for use with your handcrafted dip pen.

Coloured Botanical Inks

Next we will dive into the world of botanical colour. We will share with you our research into the possibilities for extracting beautiful, vibrant colours from common plants and weeds. You will learn how to make your own coloured painting inks (similar to liquid watercolours) and discover how to intensify and modify your inks to create a wide range of hues. We will also discuss longevity, what factors affect this, and how we can increase it.

At the end of the day, you will go home with natural ink, dip pen and charcoal drawing sticks to begin your natural art-making journey!

This is a practical workshop suitable for all levels of experience. Our workshops are aimed at adults, but are also suitable for teens.

Event Location: Kauaeranaga Valley Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames
Organiser Email: wildstudioaotearoa@gmail.com
Event Website: www.wildstudio.co.nz/workshops
Event Hours: 9.30am – 3.30pm, Saturday 17th January
Event Cost: 180, or $320 for two.