Upcoming Learning Opportunities

IN-STUDIO

From Plant to Pigment: Introduction to Lake Pigments

Catskill Weaving School
Kingston, New York
October 18, 2026

For those of us seeking sustainability and ecological connection in our creative practices, the chemically pure colors of today’s art suppliers are very far removed from nature. Join Natalie Stopka, author of From Plant to Pigment, for an introduction to lake pigments. This process of transmuting fragile botanical dyes to durable pigments extends the artistic applications of dye colors into expanded media including paint, ink, and pastel. Inspired by the history and craft of color-making, Natalie will share her master recipe for creating handmade, homegrown, and local pigments. Participants will leave with three different pigment colors, an overview of paint-making, and the knowledge to continue exploring lake pigments in their own studios.

Natalie’s studio recipe book From Plant to Pigment: How to make your own vibrant inks, pastels and paints is available now! Participants may wish to purchase a copy at our workshop, or bring a copy to be signed by the author.

This class falls on the same weekend as the New York Sheep and Wool Festival! Why not make a Hudson Valley weekend of it?

ONGOING

Printing & Painting on Textiles

with Natural Colour
A yearlong series from Plants & Colour

This yearlong course explores a variety of techniques for printmaking and painting on textiles using natural dyes, inks, and pigments. Twelve online sessions and demonstrations taught by artists and craftspeople give a broad overview of the different approaches to making enduring patterns and prints on fabric that are light-fast and wash-fast. Taught by Natalie Stopka, Greta Facchinato, Caroline Ross, Julie Beeler, Winona Quigley, and Jacqui Symons.

This course has already started but you can join and catch up with the recordings.

ONGOING

Lake Pigment Making

a Deep Dive
A yearlong series from Plants & Colour

This yearlong course follows the historical trajectory of making lake pigments from ancient Egyptian recipes, through medieval approaches, to modern day techniques. Taught by Natalie Stopka, Lucy Mayes, and Julie Beeler, monthly online sessions cover different perspectives and processes for practicing this age-old approach to pigment making.

This course has already started but you can join and catch up with the recordings.

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Contact Natalie with queries about remote private instruction on intermediate and advanced topics.