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The Art of Handmade Paints

$290.00 $290.00
Tax included. 
Description

Date: Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th January, 10:00AM till 3:00PM

Discover how to create your own artist-quality paints and explore tempera, distemper, and shellac mediums in this hands-on workshop. 

Learn techniques that will unlock new ways to express your creativity on the canvas while diving into the fascinating world of handmade paints. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced artist, this class offers something for everyone.

You will make and leave with at least two jars of artist-quality pigment, a sample of shellac, your own visual diary filled with notes and studies on how to maximize your handmade paints, plus the confidence to continue experimenting with tempera and other mediums at home.

What is tempera paint?

Tempera has been used for several thousand years, notably in Byzantine icons. It’s a highly stable resilient paint made from egg yoke, linseed oil and pigment. Egg yoke is an emulsifier meaning it allows water and oil to mix. This gives us the convenience of water and a texture similar to oil paint and more, much more.

What You Will Learn
  • How to make tempera paint using egg yolk and linseed oil.
  • The differences between acrylic, oil, watercolour, tempera, and distemper paints.
  • Techniques for making and using shellac and distemper.
  • How to create and test two colours in tempera.
  • The importance of understanding a medium’s possibilities and limitations.
  • Why single pigments matter in achieving vibrant and stable colours.
How to Know If This Class Is for You

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Beginners looking for a hands-on introduction to making their own paints and learning how to use them.
  • Experienced artists seeking to try something new and unconventional.
  • Those curious about the process of making their own artist-quality paints.
  • Anyone wanting to explore tempera painting and its historical significance.
Tutor Bio: Marc Hill

Marc’s journey into the art world began after leaving his role as a scientist at the UK Ministry of Defence. Starting as a stagehand at Shepperton Studios, he worked his way up to art director, earning accolades for commercials like Maxwell Tapes' “Storm” and Turkish Delight. His extensive experience includes working with distemper, vinyl, casein, and emulsion paints.

Around 2010, Marc shifted his focus to photography and helicopter operations across New Zealand, Alaska, and the Canadian Arctic, which profoundly influenced his artistic perspective. Currently, Marc is dedicated to painting and is represented by Exhibitions Gallery Wellington.

“Making your own paint connects you deeply to the process. It’s not just about the final piece but the journey of discovering what the medium can do." – Marc

FAQs

What materials do I need to bring?

All materials are supplied.

For the course each participant will receive:

  • Two pure pigments 30ml to 60ml
  • Shellac and size
  • Watercolour pad A4 or A5
  • Glass jar
  • Visual diary
  • Two brushes, a round and a flat
  • Palette knife
  • Pallette

Each participant will take away:

  • 2 x 30ml jar of artist quality pigment.
  • Sachet of shellac
  • A5 Visual diary with their notes and tests
  • Studies on A4 drawing paper

Can anyone do this class? Yes! This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists looking for new techniques.

If you wish to cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before your class begins. You'll receive a full refund less an admin fee of $20 via the same payment method (e.g., credit card or Afterpay) if you cancel within this timeframe.

Unfortunately, refunds aren't available for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, nor for missed classes within a series.

If you are required to bring specific supplies to this class you will be sent full details via email. Please make sure you keep the receive emails ticked at checkout to ensure you do not miss out on this informattion

This class will be held on campus at The Learning Connexion located at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. Specific details of where on campus your class will be held will be sent to you the week prior to the commencement of your class

All our tutors are qualified and practicing artists who are skilled in specific art forms and regularly teach to support others in their own art practices.