Handmade Pigment & Paint, with David Heskin

Pigments are located in fascinating places in the natural world. We can coax them out of hiding and onto our palettes through a number of ancient innovative methods. From cave paintings to gallery walls, natural pigments have remained much the same across time, as well as the mediums used to bind them into paint. This course examines both sides of this topic in great detail, providing a deep exploration of traditional methods, philosophy and practical applications of handmade paint.


Students will gain a working knowledge of numerous sources of pigment in the natural world, alongside a variety of methods to extract and utilize the raw pigments, by combining them with diverse handmade binding media to make paints. After producing our own painting materials, the natural next step is to put them to use in a number of different painted sketches, studies & test mixtures. This course will help students cultivate a broad sense of ancient and traditional methods of pigment and paint production, and by extension, a deep appreciation for a universal cultural connection through pigment.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding the basic constituents of handmade paint

• Traditional alchemical pigments & processes

• Painting on traditional surfaces

• Practical experience in producing and using handmade paint

• Knowledge and experience with numerous traditional binding mediums


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Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Materials Fees: $5
Location: Viroqua, WI

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $125
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $100
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $75
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!