This course will offer a practical understanding of earth pigments found in the UK and how to use these in your art practice. You will gain an insight into your tutor’s art-making process, the evolution of making with foraged materials, including the ecological respect born of geological and historical understanding, alongside hands-on pigment processing and paint-making demonstrations. You will use a range of traditional binders, such as gum Arabic, egg, linseed/poppy oil and acrylic medium. Buckets, cups, sieves, pestles and mortars, muller and glass will be provided for processing pigments and paints for the duration of the course. You will make work both in the studio and out in the environment of West Dean.

In addition to pigments gathered in your tutor’s native Devon and Cornwall, you will be invited to gather materials from the locality. You will then develop familiarity with these materials and processes through experimentation and self-expression. You will be asked to produce and reflect upon your work(s) both individually and communally to assimilate your newfound knowledge and experience in relation to the immanent West Sussex ecology.

Whatever we think or believe about the condition of the contemporary world, open-minded contact with the materials and processes with which it is made can only further enrich and inform our lives.

Materials week – PIGMENT WEEK 2026 This course is part of our materials week. Our February themed week of short courses for 2026 focuses on PIGMENTS, led by talented artist-tutors:

• Sophie Bower – Natural dyed yarns and inks
• Lucy Mayes – Crafting colour – pigment making for creatives
• Christine Graf – Enamel – colour and textures
• Judy McKenzie – Nerikomi ceramics
• Caroline Ross – Pigments for paints, pastels and permanence
• Peter Ward – Painting with earth

Each course explores a different aspect of using pigments and how they are used in a variety of traditional and contemporary practices. Each tutor will be invited to give a short talk (10 minutes) about an aspect of their work relating to the theme of the week on Tuesday evening at 5.15pm. You will also be encouraged to visit other courses to see work produced across the varied approaches offered in the week.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all the materials, including:

• 500g raw and processed earth pigments from North Devon and Cornwall
• Paper
• 6 x 1.5 metre pieces of raw canvas
• A range of binders, including gum Arabic, linseed/poppy oil, egg and PVA glue/acrylic medium with respective dilutants and extenders (vinegar, siccative, soap and vegetable oil)

What students need to bring

• Additional brushes, mark-making tools, paper and surfaces for personal experimentation
• Containers/bags for gathering materials
• Camera for documenting work in progress
• Outdoor clothing (waterproofs, boots, etc.)

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art and craft materials

Available from tutor:

• 500g raw and processed earth pigments from North Devon and Cornwall will be included in the course fee, but if you wish to purchase more, this will be available from your tutor (card payment available).

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). There will be an excursion in the minibus on the morning of the first full day.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

Terms & Conditions