From Plant to Paint: A Conscious Approach to Creativity

Step into a slow, thoughtful creative practice that bridges nature, art, and sustainability. From Plant to Paint is an immersive workshop exploring how pigments are created directly from plants—and how working with natural color can become a mindful, intuitive painting experience.

Guided by plant-dye artist Allie Feldman of Rooted Botanics and oil paint artist Marie McKenzie, participants will journey through the hidden life of color: learning how flowers, roots, and leaves are transformed into vibrant, earth-based pigments. Through storytelling, tactile demonstrations, and hands-on exploration, you’ll gain insight into the ecological importance of natural pigments while witnessing the beauty of ancestral color-making traditions.

After a grounding introduction to plant pigments and sustainability, the workshop transitions into a guided watercolor practice. You’ll explore transparency, movement, and flow while painting intuitively in your personal journal, allowing color to lead the process rather than outcome. Gentle prompts and reflective exercises will support creative freedom and deeper connection to materials and self-expression.

The experience closes in community with a sharing circle, warm tea, and time to view one another’s work.

This workshop is for anyone craving a slower, more reverent relationship with creativity.

Expect to leave with:

• A foundational understanding of plant-based pigments
• Direct experience working with natural colors
• A beautiful suede journal with organic cotton paper for you to continue your painting with
• A six color plant paint water color kit with water brush & fine point pen
• A renewed connection to mindful, earth-centered creativity
• Community and creative inspiration

The workshop will take place at Marie McKenzie's art studio in Ojai on Sunday December 14th, from 1-3:30pm. Address will be sent a few days before the workshop.

All materials provided. Open to all levels.

Please note that all workshop bookings are final. Each space is thoughtfully prepared in advance, so we’re unable to offer refunds once your spot is reserved. Thank you for understanding the care that goes into each gathering.