With a few simple steps, you can make your own artist inks & paints from cultivated or locally foraged plants and mushrooms. This water soluble ink can be used in drawing and painting on both paper and fabric. We will focus on materials and methods, and hands-on creation of pigment and water-based dyes along with a brief introduction into the lake-pigment making process.

Students will take home samples of inks and paints made in the class, tests on paper and fabric, plus detailed instructions on the processes used in class.

We will have a potluck lunch, giving everyone time to socialize with the instructor and fellow students.

What to bring:

• Something to share for the potluck lunch
• Personal beverages and snacks
• Layered clothing for variations in weather
• Notebook and camera if desired

About the instructor:

Judi Pettite is a Bay Area artist and professor, knowledgeable in the history and uses of natural pigments as an art medium and colorant. She has taught natural pigment workshops in the bay area for over 10 years. Her enthusiasm and curiosity for more sustainable and inventive ways to express ourselves makes the practice an exciting and playful endeavor. Judi’s company, BioHue, is a project born out of a love for the environment and the hues found in plants, earth, mushrooms and insects. While palettes vary according to geography and climate, there is a richness and wonder of experiencing colors from nature and making them first hand. Learn more about Judi and BioHue at biohue.com and judipettite.com and on Instagram: @biohue

About the location:

West County Fiber Arts is the studio of felt artist Heidi Harris, on a beautiful 1-acre property in rural Sonoma County, California. Classes will take place both indoors and in the garden.