The arrival of spring brings fresh air to the town and you might notice some color changes in the canals, trees and artworks that compose the streetscape of Tennozu Isle.
During the Golden Week holidays, when people are settled in their new lifestyles and relaxed mentally and physically, PIGMENT TOKYO will hold its annual special workshop again this year.
Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers
Date: April 28 (Sun) and May 3 (Fri), 2024
Time: 13:00 —16:30
Venue: PIGMENT TOKYO
Fee: Adult - JPY 11,000 (including tax and materials)
Recommended Age: 5 years old and up
Reservation Open: Reservation page will be available from March 1 (Fri),2024, 12:00 (JST)
Reservations:
April 28 (Sun) : Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers- April 28.20234
May 3 (Fri) : Japanese Painting -Drawing Seasonal Flowers- May 3.2024
*Please refer to the reservation page for more information.
This workshop is held only during the season when the "Kakitsubata (Japanese Irises)" is in bloom.
The Japanese Irises blooming season starts from May to June and has been popular as the flower of early summer since ancient times in Japan.
In this workshop, participants will learn both theory and practical skills, such as how to knead and adjust the density of paint and how to color according to the Rinpa style which is one of the major historical schools of Japanese painting.
The workshop is open to everyone regardless of age and experience, from young children and beginners who are new to art or art materials, to artists who wish to explore more on the history of Japanese art.
During the workshop, participants will paint Japanese Irises using "Gunjo" and "Rokusho" colors from natural mineral pigments which are also used by Ogata Kōrin.
Natural mineral pigments are made by grinding natural stones into powder: Gunjo is made of azurite and Rokusho is made of malachite.
Mineral pigments are separated into 10 different grain sizes and the color tone varies depending on the coarseness. The larger the grain size, the darker the color; and the smaller the grain size, the lighter the color.
Through traditional painting materials and techniques, participants will experience the world of ancient painters and see what kind of colors can be created from nature.
The Nezu Museum in Omotesando is exhibiting the National Treasure "Irises Screens" at this time of year, while the visitors can enjoy the irises in full bloom in the garden.
Having the actual flowers depicted in the painting around the museum is a unique way to appreciate the artwork only possible during this time of year.
Special Exhibition “Irises Screens,National Treasure:Japanese Art and Design”
Date: April 13 (Sat) - May 12 (Sun), 2024
Venue: Nezu Museum
Website: https://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en/exhibition/next.html
*For more information, please visit the Nezu Museum website.
Another very popular workshop that has also become an annual event is our crayon-making workshop. Next, I would like to share how we make crayons with pictures.
I hope you can see the following images with your children to stimulate their creativity and expand their imagination for their original crayons.
［Family Event］Creating Original Crayons
Date: April 29 (Mon) and May 5 (Fri), 2024
Time: 10:00 — 11:30
Venue: PIGMENT TOKYO
Fee: JPY 9,900 per pair of a parent & a child (including tax and materials)
Age: 5 years old and up
Reservation Open: Reservation page will be available from March 1 (Fri),2024, 12:00 (JST)
Reservations:
April 29 (Mon): Creating Original Crayons April 29.2024
May 5 (Fri): Creating Original Crayons May 5.2024
*Please refer to the reservation page for more information.
*Please note that children under elementary school age need to be assisted by a parent or guardian because of the fine work involved, such as using a measuring spoon.
Our instructor will demonstrate how to make crayons step-by-step while explaining the color theory and materials. This workshop is designed for parents and their children to spend an enjoyable time together through art materials making.
In addition to three primary colors, you can mix these three pigments in any combination to create your original colors.
We hope this color-making workshop would be an exciting experience for you and your child, and the crayons can be taken home in a special box.
◾️How to Make
Firstly, mix wax, oil, and a color powder called "pigment" which are the main ingredients of the crayons while warming them.
Once the ingredients are melted and well mixed, pour the mixture into a mold and let it harden.
When pushing it out, it comes out in the shape of a crayon we are familiar with.
Handmade art materials can be very memorable for such a special event.
You can make them at your own pace while picking your favorite colors, colors that represent your current feeling and the drawing you want to make with these crayons.
Just like regular crayons, you can color them or use the crayons with other coloring materials you already have, for example, you could draw a family tree with your child at home using the crayons you have made.
Our "Creating Original Paints" workshop teaches how to make watercolors that deepen our understanding of pigments and handmade paints.
In the "Introduction to Mineral Pigments" workshop, participants can learn how to use natural mineral pigments and animal glue to paint peonies.(*Floral motifs and pigment colors may vary depending on the season.)
For experiencing traditional gilding techniques, the “Introduction to Metal Lead” workshop is the most recommended and you can create an image of a starry night using metal leaves.
All of the above workshops are designed at an introduction level, so feel free to join us as your first step if you are interested in art materials or Japanese art.
More workshops and special events will also be coming up too.
Perhaps by experiencing through all your senses, you would add new colors to everyday life.
PIGMENT TOKYO WORKSHOPS
Introductory Workshops
Schedule:
Make Your Own Watercolors (twice a month on Sundays)
Introduction to Mineral Pigments (once a month on Sundays)
Introduction to Metal Leaf (once a month on Sundays)
Reservation: https://pigment.tokyo/en/collections/workshop
*The number of times and days of the week listed above may vary depending on the situation. Please check the reservation page of each workshop for further details.
Translated by Atsumi Okano
Profile
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
NATSUKO SHIRAISHI
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. While she works as an art material expert at PIGMENT, she also continues her career as an artist of original paper, Japanese paper and calligraphy.
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO Graduated from the Textile Design at Tama Art University. While she works as an art material expert at PIGMENT, she also continues her career as an artist of original paper, Japanese paper and calligraphy.