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Building the Artist's Color Palette: A Hands On Workshop with Francesca Herrick
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We with start with the ‘fire and earth’ pigments that were most readily available from prehistoric times and discuss how colonization and trade expanded the palette considerably. You will hear about some unusual ingredients derived from animals, plants, and gruesome archaeology! Moving into the industrial era, you will learn about some amazing technological discoveries and how artists explored the effect of color on human emotions.
The seminar with finish with a hands-on demonstration of how to build your own painter’s palette at home, with everyday ingredients from berries to burnt toast!
Participants are welcome to join in or simply enjoy watching and asking questions. A list of suitable materials has been provided below.
As a binding agent:
- 2 eggs OR, vegans or anyone with an egg allergy could use a small amount of:
- walnut oil
- linseed oil
- charcoal or scrapings from burnt toast
- coffee granules
- paprika
- turmeric
- cooked blueberries (heat in a pan adding a little water),
- cooked beetroot (or any other food item that could provide color)
- boil an avocado stone to get a pink/orange dye (place it in a saucepan whole with a little water)
- eye shadow / powdered makeup
- a few cups and teaspoons for mixing
- a knife (sharp enough to pierce an egg yolk)
- a glass of water
- a plate or palette
- a paintbrush
- paper towel
- a pestle and mortar or something similar for grinding pigments
- low odor artist’s solvent for thinning paints–if you are using oil as a binder (enquire in art shops)
Francesca Herrick is a London based lecturer who has expanded her teaching practice beyond her Art History degrees to encompass the history of interior design. This specialised subject is still an emergent area of scholarly study. In her academic role at KLC School of Design, Chelsea, she has found a rare opportunity to develop curriculums for graduate courses that combine historical and critical studies with more practical engagement with past design. She is also an educator for the Courtauld Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
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Francesca brings to life the history surrounding how artists have used color though the ages. From prehistory to the present how color was made and used is fascinating. The hands-on portion at the end was fun as well as informative. I can’t wait to experiment on my own.
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