Become an earth artist! Welcome to participants of all levels and abilities! Mix and apply natural earth minerals into paints onto wood. Learn how to use non-toxic and earth friendly processes to create a safe studio environment and artworks. Visit ancestral roots that link Art to the Earth in this two day workshop.

Participants are introduced to earth paints, making pigments and mixing paints with different binders. They are to prepare wood canvas surfaces with the addition of handmade and up-cycled papers as well as gold leaf applications. Each are to design a composition using charcoal and/or pencil. Patterns and templates are available to use for drawing and designing. Participants will engage in processes that show how to integrate and use natural products to create earth-friendly Art, to explore ancient methods (to include early Italian processes to Paleolithic cave dwellers) and to transpose a studio space into an earth friendly environment.

Day one: Morning -- After a demonstration, participants will prepare wood canvas surfaces for paint colors and another for a painting. Lunch break; Afternoon Demonstration on making and mixing paints from natural minerals whereby participants will join in making their own paints that are placed into small two oz. jars for keeping. Gold leaf will be added to dry prepared surfaces. All are introduced to methods and ideas surrounding Paleolithic Cave painters of Europe, Australia and South Africa as well as early Italian processes.

Day two: Morning -- A demonstration of the different uses and applications of paints with brush and palette knife, will be given. Participants will finish up any gold leaf applications and are invited to use patterns and templates to guide them through the process of drawing a composition onto a canvas surface with charcoal and/or pencils. Painting can begin. Lunch break; Afternoon is spent painting along with guidelines to creating your own eco-friendly studio space.

Workshop experience: Participants leave with knowledge of natural minerals into paints, hand- outs on processes and websites, mixed paints, tools and Art pieces.

All materials and supplies are included in the registration price.

Teaching Artist: Jennifer Rugge