A colour workshop to create a plant-based watercolour–gouache paint using three historical dye plants: Madder (Rubia tinctoria) – red, Weld (Reseda luteola) – yellow and Woad / Indigo (Isatis tinctoria / Indigofera tinctoria) – blue. Participants will understand the basic theory of the making processes and knowledge of growing the plants to store for paint production. The course will also explore examples of art and textiles that have utilised these three colourants over the centuries in different cultures and how organic colourings became less important in favour of William Henry Perkin’s discoveries of synthetic purple dye which changed the world. The course is for all levels of ability.
Nabil is a professional artist and visiting tutor to the University of Cambridge, and Artist-in-Residence at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Nabil is known globally throughout the Art Conservation industry with insight into organic dyes and paint. He has delivered many creative projects across England and was selected by an international committee to exhibit at the Florence Biennale in Italy. His workshops have been celebrated at the Ferens Art Gallery, Firstsite Gallery, the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter at the University of Oxford, the Prince’s Drawing School and the Lycee Francais Charles Lepierre in Lisbon.
Bookings for this course will close 1 October
Please take the time to read our course cancellations and refunds policy.