Join Gippsland artist Lucy Hersey for a thoughtful, hands-on workshop exploring the ancient practice of making paint from the earth, followed by immersive en plein air painting in the landscape.
The weekend begins with learning how to source natural pigments—what to look for, how to collect responsibly, and key considerations when working with materials from nature. Participants will then grind, mix, and bind their own earth pigments to create a unique, naturally coloured paint palette.
Favoured by the Australian Impressionists, en plein air painting allows artists to be immersed in the landscape—quietly observing, absorbing, and learning. These expeditions sharpen your understanding of the architecture of the land and encourage spontaneous, expressive, and intuitive mark-making.
Having crafted your own colours directly from the earth beneath your feet, you’ll be invited to bring this new knowledge to the easel and paint the landscape before you as it is—not as we expect or wish it to be. Dust, flies, unkempt foliage and all, this workshop celebrates our marvellous country in its raw, honest beauty.
No prior painting experience is required. All materials are supplied. This workshop offers an opportunity to hone hand–eye and heart–hand coordination, respond deeply to place, and create expressive, heartfelt works grounded in material connection.
You will learn and experience:
By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your own collection of natural paints and paintings created during the session.
