Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky to share my pigment-making practice with so many curious and creative people. I’ve hosted workshops in orchards, and art centres, community halls, universities and lofts. I’ve delivered my workshops all across Ireland, Tasmania and even at the Museum of Fine Art, Florida. But, of course, not everyone could make it to those sessions.
I was receiving tonnes of questions about natural pigment processes from people all over the world. Emails from artists and educators, DMs from nature lovers and parents curious to know more, all asking how they could start working with natural colour.
For a long time, I replied individually sending recipes, photos, and process information. It was enjoyable to be connecting with people through pigment, but also time-consuming. Eventually, I realised that what people were asking for was a guide that laid out the essentials of how to get started. That’s how the LAND COLOUR workbook came into being.
I wanted to condense years of practice and teaching into one accessible, practical guide and so created a document that mirrored the outline of my Natural Pigment Workshop. I started including it as part of my workshops, so participants could continue with what they’ve learned at the workshop, at home.
LAND COLOUR—a downloadable PDF brings together the essential methods and materials for ink and pigment-making using plants, minerals, and metals. Its not a lookbook of every colour I’ve ever made (although that would be fun!) It’s a clear, grounded starting point. It encourages experimentation, observation, and connection with the landscape around you. I’m constantly tweaking the information so it’s as concise as possible, and easy to put into practice.
Whether you're just beginning or already knee-deep in the world of natural colour, I hope this workbook meets you where you are—and helps you find your own way forward.
If you’ve never attended a workshop but feel curious about exploring natural pigments, this is a welcoming place to begin your journey. Take your time, enjoy the process, and discover the beautiful world of colour that nature offers.
PS. Ive created a free preview so you can get a glimpse inside the book. No strings attached.
An artist’s guide to making natural inks, pigments, and paints from the world around you.
This beautifully crafted PDF workbook offers a hands-on introduction to the art of natural colour-making. Designed for artists, makers, and curious wanderers, it guides you through the process of extracting rich, earth-born hues from the land, whether you’re foraging along the coast, digging in the hills, or working from a city windowsill.
Inside, you’ll find clear, practical instructions alongside grounded approaches to working with plant, mineral, and metal-based materials. Learn how to transform berries, bark, flowers, charcoal, and rust into vibrant inks, pigments and handmade paint.
The workbook includes:
— A tool and material list using items you likely already have
— Step-by-step methods for extraction, boiling, and grinding
— Recipes for botanical inks and lake pigments
— Techniques for working with earth pigments and charcoal
— How to shift colour through pH and oxide modifiers
— Instructions for turning liquid ink into dry pigment
— Binder options for making lasting paints
— Safety guidance for working with natural and chemical materials
Every page is designed to support experimentation, slow process, and a deeper connection with the land. These recipes are adaptable to your environment and open-ended by nature—encouraging you to observe, take notes, and let the material guide the outcome.
Delivered as a downloadable PDF, this workbook is your companion for working in the wild or at your kitchen table. Whether you’re new to natural pigments or returning to an old love, LAND COLOUR invites you to begin with what’s underfoot—and see the world through its colours.