The Fundamentals Of Colour

The Fundamentals Of Colour 

An Introduction To The World of Pigments, Dyes and Paint Binders

Book a Workshop with Lucy Mayes, Founder of London Pigment and Author of ‘The Natural Pigment Handbook’.

Join Lucy in her Southsea studio, Portsmouth, for a 2.5 hour hands-on workshop exploring the art of natural colour making.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with new knowledge, hands-on experience, and your own handmade colours.

About the Session

In this session, participants will explore the rich and diverse world of pigments. They will gain a foundational understanding of different types of colorants and their classification. This will be followed by an overview of pigment properties and particle morphology. The session will also include an introduction to Lucy's work as an artist and pigment maker, featuring a selection of raw materials, pigments, and equipment.

Principles & Theory

Introduction To Colourants Pigments, pigment particle morphology, dyes, binders and principles of paint making.

Processes & Techniques

Paint making workshop where we will explore the properties of hand-made natural & synthetic pigments by making a range of water based paints & inks. Specialist paint making tools such as a muller & plate will be utilised. We will use a film coating gauge to test the particle size of our paint. This will be followed by the filling out especially designed colour charts.

Workshops with Lucy

Lucy’s workshops are warm, inclusive, and fun, offering a unique opportunity to learn traditional pigment and paint-making techniques in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Together, we’ll explore both practical processes and the theory and chemistry behind colour creation. Lucy is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the heritage of colour making, ensuring that every workshop is both creative and experimental while grounded in a solid understanding of traditional processes. She brings a balance of serious scholarship and intuitive skill, encouraging participants to learn through both study and instinct.

All Learning Experiences Include:

Introduction & Tour A short introduction to Lucy’s work as an artist and pigment maker, followed by a guided tour of her pigment collection- a cornucopia of raw and processed materials used as visual aids.

Practical Demonstrations & Study Hands-on demonstrations paired with in-depth exploration of dyes, pigments, paints, and inks-all made from scratch during the session.

Materials Provided All ingredients and tools needed for pigment and paint making are supplied.

Learning Resources Printed handouts, worksheets, and recipes to support continued learning after the workshop.

Colour Chart Activity London Pigment colour charts to complete during the session, presented in a cardboard tube or envelope for participants to take home.

Take-Home Materials Carefully prepared materials from the session- including pigments, paints, and completed colour charts- provided in designated containers for participants to take away.

Refreshments: Light refreshments included, with vegan-friendly alternatives available.

Bespoke Workshops

If you’d like to arrange a tailored session, please email Lucy at info@londonpigment.com to discuss your needs and options.

Lucy is happy to cater for all ages and designs bespoke workshops for a wide range of individuals, whether creative or more technically focused. She has taught artists, conservators, designers, professionals, and those who simply want to have a go. For larger groups (up to 15 participants), or if you’d like to chat about accessibility needs, please do get in touch, Lucy will be happy to help.

General Information & Recommendations 

About the Location

Workshops are held at ArtSpace Portsmouth, a vibrant studio community housed in a stunning converted chapel on Brougham Road.

Address: ArtSpace Portsmouth, 27 Brougham Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 4PA

Accessibility: Ground floor, step-free access from the street

Transport

Direct trains from London Victoria & Waterloo (1.5–2 hours, no changes)

Nearest station: Portsmouth & Southsea (10-minute walk to the studio)

On Arrival

Please call Lucy on 07739 697851 when you arrive. She will welcome you at ArtSpace, provide a quick orientation (including emergency exits and facilities), and walk with you to her studio, which also has access to her dye garden.

What to Bring

If you prefer working with your own surfaces, feel free to bring along a sketchbook and a pen or pencil of your choice- otherwise, all materials will be provided.

The studio can get a little chilly in the depths of winter, so it’s a good idea to wrap up warm.

You’re also welcome to bring your own containers if you’d like to reuse them for taking materials home. If not, Lucy will be happy to provide some for you.

Allergies

Please let Lucy know via email if you have any allergies. While every precaution is taken to minimise exposure to fine particulates produced during pigment making, participants with severe asthma or respiratory sensitivities are strongly advised to inform Lucy in advance. All substances used in workshops are non-toxic. She will prepare a pre-dispersed pigment mixture (using alcohol or water) to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience.*

Portsmouth Recommendations

Make the most of your visit to Portsmouth with some of Lucy’s local favourites:

Places to Visit

Aspex Gallery Contemporary art gallery in the historic Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3BF. (20 minute walk)

Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery Explore local history, culture, and art. (10 minute walk)

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Discover the city’s rich maritime heritage, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. (25 minute walk)

Places to Eat (all within 5- 10 minute walk)

Bread Addiction Artisan bakery serving coffee. 

Huis Bar Belgian inspired bar serving craft beers and hearty food.

Southsea Deli Independent deli with delicious fresh produce and light bites.

Florio’s Italian Pizzeria A cosy spot for authentic wood-fired pizza.

*Please note that by taking part in the workshop, participants accept that they are engaging in activities that carry a small degree of inherent risk, and Lucy cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.