Magic of Alchemy

Experiences

These experiences are designed to challenge artists practices through making natural and historic pigments and paints. To Find Out More

Comments from visitors to the Colour Makers House during Open Heritage Week

- Wonderful place to look around and very helpful owners.

Excellent talk and Demo about making artists' pigments - Paul, Newcastle.

Brilliant and Entertaining - Kesler, Appleby

The six-year-old was so engaged, and the 13-year-old daughter enjoyed it; it was such a fascinating afternoon. We were all fascinated - Sarah & Andy, Bowes

A short but enlightening discussion; see you soon. Jen & David, Sedbergh

I couldn't have been more impressed with Mark. We had a tailored pigment workshop from Mark. We were enthralled from start to finish, and we didn't want to leave. Mark is a natural teacher and such a welcoming guy. I highly recommend visiting the Colour Makers House. - Bri, Godalming

Thank you very much for an amazing introduction to making watercolor paints with natural pigments. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment, filled with fun and laughter. It was both an educational and uplifting experience that left us motivated and inspired to explore and create our own watercolour paints. Highly recommend a visit to the Colour Makers House in Appleby-in-Westmorland. - Helen, W. Sussex

 The visit to the colour maker's house in Appleby offered the opportunity to discover something new (the creation of foraged pigment). It was time well spent in the company of an interesting maker. We also enjoyed looking around the house and learning about its history.

Fascinating, really interesting - Alison, Newcastle

Most interesting and fascinating - Simon, Preston.

Mark generously gave his Christmas Eve to give my partner and me the opportunity to experience his Pigment workshop. I am by no means an artist, but I must say I was completely absorbed.
This was an excellent workshop led by Mark, who clearly is very passionate about Colour and pigment and conveys that passion effortlessly. Mark himself is extremely easygoing, friendly, and a breeze to listen to, making it so easy to take it all in.
Brilliant. I cannot recommend it enough. We will be back! - Bri & Alex, Surrey

Absolutely fantastic, informative and engaging - Nicola, Rotherham

Incredible, so happy to have come and thank you for the inspiring pep talk - Leo, Swansea

Fabulous, super engaging, hugely knowledgeable - Page Family, Chesham

A fascinating look at natural colours - Steve & Susie, Preston

I loved it - Stephen, Lincolnshire.

 - It was a very interesting visit, and we bought some paint-making materials.

 - Fascinating process and wonderful building.

"Thank you, Mark and Phil, for today's unique and special colour-making experience. I so enjoyed my day, I learned so much about the history, alchemy and processes involved in making pigments from local rocks and earth. Your step-by-step instruction was art practices will spur me on. I'd highly recommend one of your workshops and visit to your shop to anyone curious about the colour around all around us. Thank you again for a very memorable experience. Best wishes."
- Fiona Creative Wellbeing Occupational Therapist, from Edinburgh.



Lovely place and educational - Donna and Jan, Iowa, USA

I love this fantastic place - Sue, Penrith.

I am looking forward to experimenting with your pigments - Brian, Guildford.

To Find Out More About the Colour Makers and the New Book!

"Hi Mark,

Thanks so much for sending the beautiful pigments and the watercolour pan - I am very grateful indeed.

As an ecological artist I am so pleased to have found your pigments to use alongside my own and was very happy to see the sheep's wool padding as well.

Thanks again and best wishes,

Claire"



Claire from Gloucestershire purchased three glass vials of pigments online

Neil Walker Cumbria

" Had a wonderful day today in this fabulous shop huge thanks to both Marks for a fascinating, informative and inspiring time.

I look forward to developing my knowledge in the coming months.

For anyone interested in exploring the wonderful world of natural paint making I highly recommend booking a workshop"



Neil from Cumbria joined us on a day long pigment and paint making workshop

Take a look at what other artists think