Explore the vibrant art of ink-making using foraged and cultivated plants, and learn how to make versatile pigments from earth and plants. To register for Day 2 of this workshop, click here.

Date

September 6, 2025

Time

10am – 4pm PDT

Location

Fibershed Learning Center

14000 Point Reyes – Petaluma Road

Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

About the Event

Learn different processes of paint-making using hand-gathered plants and earth.

Join either one or two days of this natural color intensive workshop series, led by esteemed pigment artist Judi Pettite, aka “BioHue,” at the Fibershed Learning Center. Formerly based in Northern California, this is an opportunity to learn from Judi again as she visits from Southern California.

Registration is discounted for participants signing up for both Day 1 and 2.

Day 1. Artist Ink: A Hands-On Workshop • Saturday, Sep. 6 10am-4pm

• ᝰ Explore the vibrant art of ink-making using foraged and cultivated plants, as well as repurposed dye vats.
• This immersive, hands-on class is ideal for artists of all backgrounds—whether you work in drawing, painting, fiber arts, or installation. You’ll learn how to craft saturated, long-lasting inks and build your own palette from seasonal local plants, a primary color palette and a few unexpected hues.
• The course includes plenty of time for creative experimentation and guided instruction. Each student will leave with sample bottles of handmade ink and recipes to continue your practice at home.
• All necessary class materials are included (brushes, paper, ink bottles, pigments, tools, etc).

Day 2. Lake and Mineral Pigments • Sunday, Sep. 7 10am-4pm

• ᝰ What is a lake pigment? How do mineral pigments differ? Dive into this hands-on exploration of pigment-making techniques, from earth and lake-based sources to finished watercolor pans. This workshop is perfect for artists working in painting, printmaking, textiles, installation, or anyone curious about handmade color. Together, we’ll follow the full paint-making process—from selecting raw materials to grinding them into artist-quality pigments. You’ll learn the distinct characteristics of mineral and lake pigments, and how to incorporate them into your creative practice.
• Each participant will make their own pan watercolors and take home a set of handmade samples. Shells for making watercolor pans will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own containers or shells if they prefer their own.
• All necessary class materials are included (brushes, paper, pigments, tools, etc).

Participants must bring:

• Any personal snacks, lunch, and beverages. Coffee and tea will be provided.
• A notebook and pen for note taking is encouraged.
• Appropriate clothing and footwear (in case of dye stains, for harvesting and gathering plant material outdoors, etc). An apron or smock is recommended to keep your clothes clean.
• Optional: favorite personal brushes, paper, or sketchbooks.
• Optional (for day 2 only): shells, bottle caps, or other small vessels for personalized, creative storage of watercolors made in class
• All necessary class materials are included (brushes, paper, pigments, tools, etc).

Register Now