2 Day Natural Paint Making Workshop: Egg Tempera

This is an immersive 2 Day Workshop focused on the ancient practice of making paint from locally foraged natural earth pigments using egg tempera.

Rooted in centuries old painting traditions, egg tempera offers a direct and intimate way of working with color, one that requires few materials, minimal setup, and deep attention. In this workshop, participants will learn how raw earth minerals are transformed into luminous, archival pigments and paints using simple ingredients. Through guided foraging, pigment processing, and hands on guidance, participants will create their own natural pigments before learning how to bind them into egg tempera paint.

Led by Júlia Godoy, this workshop invites you to slow down, be present, and reconnect with your landscape in a new, creative way. Read below for the full outline of the workshop and materials list.

No prior experience necessary. All backgrounds are welcome, 18+.

The upcoming Egg Tempera workshop has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Thank you so much for your understanding. If you’d like to be the first to know when workshops reopen, you’re warmly invited to sign up for my newsletter below.

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A Brief History of Egg Tempera

Egg tempera is one of the oldest painting mediums in the world and was used for centuries before the widespread adoption of oil paint. Historically, it was the primary medium for sacred and devotional works like icons, altarpieces, and early portraits, valued for its luminosity, precision, and archival durability. Because of its slow, layered process, egg tempera encouraged intentional mark making and a deep attention to material.

In this workshop, egg tempera is approached not as a religious medium, but as a material practice rooted in ritual and relationship to the land. Rather than depicting traditional sacred figures, participants will explore how earth, pigment, and process themselves can become the subject.

Day One: Foraging & Pigment Processing

  • Workshop participants will check in at the designated meeting location.

    Exact location details will be shared after booking and again closer to the workshop date. Please arrive a few minutes early to settle in and meet the group.

    Designated location will be within a 20 mile radius of DTLA.

  • We’ll begin with a gentle group hike through the Los Angeles mountains.

    Júlia will guide you through:

    • How to identify earth pigments in the landscape.

    • What textures, colors, and formations to look for.

    • Ethical and responsible foraging practices.

    Together, we’ll collect raw earth to process into pigments.

    This hike is paced slowly, with plenty of time for observation and questions.

  • We’ll return to our base camp and begin processing our raw materials into usable artist grade pigments.

    You’ll learn:

    • Initial cleaning and preparation of raw earth.

    • Breaking down material into workable pigment.

    • Understanding particle size and pigment quality.

    • How different soils behave during processing.

    This is a hands on, tactile session where you’ll begin to see color emerge from the raw material you collected.

    Please note: the course fee does not include personal materials. While Júlia will have supplies for you to use during the class, a full materials list will be sent after booking so you can come prepared.

  • This session is dedicated time to:

    • Continue processing your pigments.

    • Ask questions, take notes, and troubleshoot.

    • Work at your own pace with guidance.

  • We’ll close the day with a short group reflection.

    Each participant will be invited to:

    • Share one color or material they’re most excited to turn into paint.

    • Note any curiosities, surprises, or questions that came up during the process.

    • Set an intention for Day Two.

    This is a gentle, grounding close to the day and helps integrate what you’ve learned before moving into paint making.

Day Two: Making Egg Tempera Paint & Painting

  • Participants will check in at a predetermined location. Exact address, directions, and access details will be shared after registration and again closer to the workshop date.

  • We’ll begin by organizing and preparing the natural pigments you processed on Day One.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to properly dry, store, and label handmade pigments.

    • Basic color identification and naming.

    • How to keep notes for future use and consistency.

    • How pigment origin and processing affect color behavior.

  • Participants will mix their own egg tempera paint using egg yolk, (one of the oldest and most archival binders in painting history,) while learning how even the eggshells can be transformed into a natural white pigment, completing the cycle from material to paint.

    You’ll learn:

    • Proper pigment to binder ratios.

    • How to process eggshells into a usable white pigment.

    • How to mix paint to the correct consistency.

    • Common mistakes and how to troubleshoot them.

  • We’ll move into painting, where Júlia will guide the group through:

    • Egg tempera painting techniques.

    • Brush handling and mark making.

    • How natural pigments behave differently than commercial paints.

    • Letting the material lead the process.

    This is an intuitive, exploratory session focused on relationship rather than perfection.

  • We’ll close the workshop with a final reflection.

    Participants will be invited to:

    • Share a painting or color that surprised them.

    • Reflect on how working with handmade pigments shifted their relationship to painting.

    • Ask final questions about continuing the practice at home.

    You’ll leave with:

    • Handmade pigments and egg tempera paints.

    • Foundational natural paint making knowledge.

    • A deeper connection to your materials and process.

Materials

All supplies required for egg tempera paint making will be provided for participants to use during the workshop. Materials for pigment foraging and processing will be brought by participants, as learning how to source and prepare pigment from the land is an important part of the experience. A detailed materials guide with exact specifications, links, and recommendations will be shared with participants after registration.

INCLUDED SUPPLIES

(Available to use during class)

  • Stone mortar and pestle

  • Palette knife

  • Painting slab

  • 6” × 6” panel

  • Mixing Palette

  • Eggs

  • Brushes

WHAT TO BRING

For Pigment Making & Painting

  • Sketchbook

  • Pencil

  • Small jars or containers for storing pigment

  • Sieve

  • Quart size containers

  • Filters

For Foraging & Outdoor Time

  • Water bottle

  • Exercise clothes and shoes suitable for a light hike

  • Sunscreen

  • Snacks

Miscellaneous

  • Reusable bag or plastic grocery bags

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out to the studio anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register for a workshop.

contact

  • Yes! Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout to receive $50 off when you register within the first 7 days of the workshop being released (through January 27th).

  • Yes. There is free parking at the foraging location on Day One. The exact location and details will be shared after registration.


    Day Two takes place on a Sunday, when street parking in Los Angeles is free.

  • No. Transportation and lodging are the responsibility of each participant and are not included in the workshop.

  • Workshops are intentionally small. There will be a maximum of 8 participants to allow for individual guidance and a supportive, hands on learning experience.

  • Absolutely not! This workshop is open to creatives of all levels, as well as anyone curious about traditional painting materials and process.

  • Yes. You’ll leave with your handmade natural pigments, egg tempera paint, and your finished painting on panel.

  • Due to how much time and specialized preparation goes into each class, cancellations are not accepted at this time. Please reach out to the studio at hello@juliagodoystudio.com in case of emergency and the balance of the Workshop may be applied to a future course depending on individual circumstances.