From Plant to Oil Paint: A Conscious Approach to Creativity

Step into a slow, thoughtful creative practice that bridges nature, art, and sustainability. From Plant to Oil 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 experience of making oil paint with plant pigments. With all materials provided, you will mull your own oil paint and apply it to a canvas under the guidance of Marie's expertise.

Marie will teach you how to work with oil paint, apply it to the canvas, and other tips and tricks to form an intimate relationship with this type of painting.

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

A light lunch/snack board of nourishment will be provided with a designated break!

Expect to leave with:

• A foundational understanding of plant-based pigments
• Direct experience working with natural colors
• A canvas that you will paint on
• A packet of notes on how to turn plants into pigment & pigment into paint
• A renewed connection to mindful, earth-centered creativity
• Community and creative inspiration

The workshop will take place at Allie's art studio in Ojai on Saturday, November 14th, from 10-3pm. 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.