Description
Join environmental artist, alchemist and pigment maker Polly Bennett for a pigment making workshop using natural materials found in the local area.
 
On this pigment making workshop, participants will learn how to grind and purify earth pigment and subsequently turn the finished pigment into paint. The pigment used will come from earth sourced from the nearby viscinity of the workshop, i.e. Kent & East Sussex, thus celebrating a sense of place as well as environmentally-friendly practices. At the end of the workshop, you will take home a hand-painted colour chart, purified pigment and watercolour paint.
 
IMPORTANT: Please bring two standard-size glass jars and lids, and apron. Everything else is provided.
 
On this workshop participants learn: 
The historical origins of pigment
Responsibilities and health & safety of collecting natural materials and processing pigment
About different binders, specifically gum arabic and its history and sustainability 
About different types of natural pigment: mineral (inc. shell - calcium carbonate), metal compound, animal, plant, charcoal
How to grind, sieve and purify mineral into pigment 
To create watercolour paint with pigment 
 
On this workshop participants take home:
Handout with notes and reading recommendations
Hand-painted colour wheel
Watercolour paint
Purified pigment that they can continue to purify more at home
 
Location:
EDE Projects
4 Cinque Ports Street
TN31 7AD
Rye, East Sussex
 
Date: 
Tuesday 10th of March 2026; 10.30am - 1pm
 
Discounted Rates:
A discounted rate of £50 is available for students and for artist members of South East Open Studios 2026. Please contact Eloise at eloisedethiereaton@gmail.com to claim your £10 discount.