"Farm to Paintbrush" (morning session) - a workshop on pigment-making

Did you know that you can create your own colour palette from the ground you walk on? That there are many different kinds of black? And even more kinds of white?

Learn about this and more at this workshop on the art of pigment-making at Tablehurst Farm. You will discover how to make the so-called ancient colour palette: the colours our ancestors used to express their first creative impulses. Using only materials found on the farm and the surrounding forest, you will extract pigments and learn how to make them into paints using traditional, environmentally friendly binders. You will create a small set of handmade watercolours to take home with you, as well as getting the opportunity to paint with them yourself during the workshop.

The ticket price includes all materials and refreshments (including tea/coffee and cake). The Tablehurst cafe garden will be open as usual if you would like to combine the workshop with a spot of lunch.

All levels of experience are welcome and there is no need to bring anything.

Note that there are two separate workshops on the same day: a morning session from 9:30 to 12:30 and an afternoon 

session from 1:30 to 4:30. Please only book on to one of these!

Children (aged 8 and older) are welcome if accompanied by an adult and get a £5 reduction on the ticket price.

Contact elisabeth.denboer@gmail.com or office@tablehurstfarm.org.uk with any queries.

Meet the workshop leader

My name is Elisabeth den Boer. I was born in the Netherlands and have lived in Austria and the UK. I am a trained artist and chef, and work at Tablehurst as well as the onsite Fermento Bakery.

My training started in the Netherlands with a ship cook diploma course. In 2019 I obtained the Master Chef certificate in Innsbruck Tyrol. In 2021 I graduated from the MA program at the Princes Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London with a specialisation in natural paints and pigments, and their uses in traditional and contemporary art. I currently work from my studio in East Sussex.

You can find out more on my Instagram page: @studio_elisabethdenboer