Unlocking the Colours of Nature with Helen Coleman
October 19 2026 @ 9:30 AM - October 21 2026 @ 4:30 PM
$450.00
Helen Coleman is a contemporary colour-woman, whose art practice is devoted to process and scientific experimentation. She delights in unlocking the hidden colours in the natural world around us.
Tapping into a thirty-year career in botany and chemistry, Helen explores the artistic potential of local plant and earth materials. These diverse samples are transformed into unique dyes, pigments, inks and paints by blending ancient and contemporary techniques.
Helen shares her research through exhibitions, residencies and workshops across Australia, inspiring artists and the broader community to connect more deeply with the natural environment and explore the benefits of combining art with science.
Workshop Overview
This workshop explores nature’s own colour palette, as Helen gently guides you through her process to test and transform a wide variety of natural materials into inks, pigments and paints.
Students will explore local, foraged natural materials for their colour properties, convert these pigments into a range of art mediums and create unique paper-based artworks that are deeply connected to the local landscape.
Workshop techniques include extracting botanical pigments, making inks, levigating earths and making natural paints. Helen will also share her tips for testing for lightfastness, record keeping, storing natural mediums and producing commercial artwork using natural materials.
Beginners to experienced artists who are keen to incorporate natural pigments into their practice will benefit from this workshop.
Inspiration from Helen
What to bring:
- A full list of requirements will be sent to each participant prior to the workshop
Please note:
- Tickets on sale from 8am, 1st March 2026
- Workshop bookings are subject to our refund policy
Finding and Parking at Moonah Arts Centre
If you are not currently a financial member of Stitching and Beyond, you can join us, pay the membership fee and then login to purchase your ticket.