EARTHS TO PIGMENTS, PLANTS TO INKS - ancient techniques for contemporary artists

2 - 6 June 2025 - taught by Carey Mortimer

price 500€ - does not include accommodation or food.

Learn the techniques of the ancients and create a sustainable art practice for the present era.

We will make pigments from earths and rocks by sifting, grinding, levigating and mulling; a range of beautiful black pigments by carbonising bones, peach stones and vine cuttings; white pigments will be made from egg shells and lime. Also a walk in the nearby Montiferru area to collect coloured earths. a visit to a nearby fresco site and a visit to a country house for a vegetarian lunch (included).

You will learn how to make these pigments into paints using various mediums - egg tempera, hide glue, linseed and walnut oil, gum arabic and fruit tree gum.

Inks will be made from oak galls and walnut husks. And a quill made from a feather to draw with the inks.

Supports will be provided for making small paintings from the pigments and inks you have made.

A wide selection of books is available to the students showing examples of ancient, medieval, Renaissance and contemporary painting.