Wild Studio - Make your own Art Materials - Victoria AUSTRALIA

Tutor:  Emma Cowan

In this hands-on workshop from Wild Studio, you will discover the possibilities for making your own art materials from common plants, and come away with tools and a variety of art media that we have made together, as well as the knowledge to continue further explorations and experiments at home.

You will learn how to make artist's drawing charcoal sticks, which woods work well, how to prepare them, and how to make a simple charcoal kiln. You will then be guided through the process to make your own rich black inks for drawing and lettering, and learn the different ways that these inks can be used.

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. We will experiment with tannin based inks and modifiers for interesting effects, both for brush or pen work. 

After a short lunch break, 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 make your own coloured painting inks (similar to liquid watercolours) to take home, and learn how to intensify, stablise and modify your inks to create a wide range of hues.

Suitable for all levels of experience. Age 12+