We love the idea that this wild and alien landscape surrounding us can become a part of the work we create as well. For years Stella was creating work inspired by the landscape around her, but through experimentation she found that not only could she create work inspired by the desert, it could be made from the landscape itself. We would love to have you join us for a day of hiking, painting, and experimentation at the Casita.
The Workshop
Saturday, June 9th
9 am to noon We’ll begin with a history of natural pigments, then survey the different color sands native to the Mojave Desert. Then we’ll gather and sift our own sand, grind it, and begin the two step water refining process for the pigments. We will also be looking at prickly pears, and how to make pink paint from the cacti.
noon to 1
lunch at the Casita
1 to 4 pm
In the afternoon we’ll learn how to mix gum arabic, honey, and gylcerin into the refined pigments and pour them into trays. Then we’ll experiment with making our own paintings using the watercolors made from sand. Each participant will take home a watercolor pan made from the Mojave and the tools to make their own paint from sands, dirt, and cacti.
No previous experience required, all skill levels welcome.
Materials wise, we want to be sensitive to the fact that some of you may already have many or all of the necessary tools, while others would rather us supply all the materials. To that end we are including a list of materials; you may choose to bring your own or if you’d like us to get them all for you and have them waiting in Joshua Tree please add the “supplies” option under tickets. The materials are:
palette knife I prefer the 35T or 6T but any medium to large sized flexible metal palette knife will work.
Lastly, at the end of the workshop we are offering a horseback ride through the Joshua Trees. The ride is entirely optional and a 15 minute drive from the workshop at the Casita.
There are two options for the workshop – if you select the ticket that includes materials, yes they are yours to keep! If you already have the materials listed, you can select the ticket without materials to bring your own.
Do we get to keep the supplies you provide?
There are two options for the workshop – if you select the ticket that includes materials, yes they are yours to keep! If you already have the materials listed, you can select the ticket without materials to bring your own.