During this two day course we will celebrate the naturally derived colours from earth and plants. We will spend time foraging and learning how to gather potential colour sources from the landscape. We will learn the transformation techniques involved in converting stones, clay, earth and plants into a range of ink and paints. This will include looking at the history and folklore of materials and how they were sourced and created in the past.

On the first day we will gather wild clay from the land of The Gathering Fields. You will then learn how to process the clay and make your own clay vessels, which will be fired in a traditional pit firing or firebowl in the evening (firing not included in the workshop, however we will give an explanation on the firing). The following day, these will then be filled with the ink and paint we make during the workshop to take home at the end of the two days.

This workshop will be a celebration of place, colour and the rich history of the human relationship and involvement with the landscape bridging the ancient with the contemporary world.

We will have lots of paints and inks with us from our collection for participants to try out, giving an insight into the huge potential of foraged colour. Time allowing we will make some simple reed and bamboo dip pens for you to use with your inks and to add to your collection of foraged inks and paints.

Saturday 29th June and Sunday 30th June 10am – 3:30pm each day £130

PLEASE NOTE: This weekend workshop is taking place at The Gathering Fields, Lancashire. Find out more about The Gathering Fields including where to find them at www.thegatheringfields.co.uk. The Gathering Fields is situated on a working farm, with a beautiful ancient broad leaf woodland and river walk nearby.

For anyone needing accomodation, The Gathering Fields is offering beds in the shared bunk-barn at £25 per person, camping on the land is £20 per person. Van park up is availiable, £20 per person. There are washing up facillities, hot showers, under cover camp fire area and grills. There is a place to heat food with cutlery and crockery availiable until 10pm.

A warm evening meal (one pot vegetarian cooked meal and sides) can be provided at £15 and breakfast (fruit, cereals or hot porridge) is £9.50 per person. You are welcome to opt in or out of any of these options.

Refreshments will be served throughout the day.

Book your accommodation and food through The Gathering Fields by email info@thegatheringfields.co.uk or phone 07791 254101.