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Workshops

Make your own Sustainable Art Materials

​Wild Studio runs workshops in the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley where we are based, (near Thames in the Coromandel). We also offer one-off workshops around Aotearoa. See below for upcoming dates and venues.​ 

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We'd love you to join us!

 

Our workshops are a hands-on experience where participants learn to create sustainable art materials from plants, and explore the creative possibilities of these media.

 

You'll learn to make artist's drawing charcoal, hand-crafted dip pens, rich black ink and vibrant coloured painting inks (similar to liquid watercolours), and will take all of these home with you, as well as the skills and knowledge to continue making more. You'll also have time to play and experiment with your new art materials. We love sharing our enthusiasm for this work, and offer a warm welcome to people of all levels of experience. â€‹â€‹

"This was honestly one of the most satisfying weekend activities I've done in months. I loved that it mixed nature, art, colour and science"  -BJ

We can also offer a range of tailored workshops or events for groups, and we may be available to travel to your location. Private bookings for 3+ available on request. Please get in touch to discuss the options. 

Photo credits - Workshop images above: Niva Kay; Sliding images at top of page: Claire Cowan

Workshop Reviews:

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"Amazing workshop for any level of experience. I learnt so much and I am super keen to keep experimenting." - SL. 
 
"This was honestly one of the most satisfying weekend activities I've done in months. I loved that it mixed nature, art, colour and science. It was a total delight making practical things with materials you can get in your garden, or your neighbours garden… ha!" - B Johnson.
 
"Emma and Sarah are talented and passionate tutors who met us where we were at with knowledge and experience of art and craft. The workshop fostered a sense of play and experimentation and I loved the magic of seeing colours evolve on the page before us. Just gorgeous and lots of fun!  Oh, and the morning tea was delicious!!" - Claire
 
"I'm not arty but this workshop was cool as!  I enjoyed all the cool learning about the environment, useful skills, making, and of course the colours and how they react was fascinating." - JP
 
"WOW! It was so much fun to get to play and experiment like this, which I almost never get to do as an adult.  What a joy!" - AP
 
"Emma and Sarah have created the perfect workshop for learning about and exploring natural inks. Their warm presence and obvious passion for what they do made for an enjoyable (and therapeutic) afternoon! Thank you." - MN

Course Outline:

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Tutors:  Emma Cowan and Sarah Nicholson.

 

In this hands-on workshop from Wild Studio, you will discover the exciting possibilities for making your own art supplies from plants, and come away with a variety of natural art materials that you have learned to make. You'll also gain the knowledge and confidence to continue with your own explorations and experiments at home.

 

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 your charcoal smudge-proof!

 

Then you'll be guided through the process of making your own rich black inks for drawing, painting 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.

 

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 learn how to make your own coloured painting inks (similar to liquid watercolours) and discover how to intensify, stablise and modify your inks to create a wide range of hues.

 

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

 

This is a practical workshop suitable for all levels of experience. Age 12+

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