PAINTING ON SILK: IN-PERSON SUMMER RETREAT AT ELKHORN MEADOWS
Painting on Silk: An In-Person Workshop Retreat
Saturday, July 26th, 2025, 10:00 am-4:30 pm PDT
$150
All supplies and lunch are included.
Class Description:
Come outside and experience the sensuous experience of painting on silk. In this day-long retreat, you will learn different techniques for applying dyes and paints to silk. This full-day workshop, held onsite at Elkhorn Meadows, a private residence in North Bend, Washington, situated on acreage in the forest, is set in a creative and playful artmaking environment.
Hurry, Class size limited to 15. Further details about the location will be provided upon registration.
MORNING SESSION: INTRODUCTION TO SILK PAINTING
In the morning session you will learn the basics of silk painting including transferring a design to the silk, applying gutta (a resist) and applying color in a number of ways. We will work together on a “community” project on a large frame. A portion of the class will be devoted to making your own large-scale frame at home. Handouts will describe the frame making process as well as how to “set” the dyes and paints when completed. All the materials and tools you need are provided in this workshop. This allows you to experiment and learn without having to purchase the supplies until you are ready to commit to silk painting in the future. The finished project that we create together in the morning session will be raffled at the end of the day for one lucky student to take home.
LUNCH BREAK
After a light lunch served outside under the canopy of a vintage trailer, you will have free time to wander the grounds seeking inspiration for your very own silk painting in the afternoon.
AFTERNOON SESSION: PAINTING A SILK MANDALA
In the afternoon session, you will design and paint your choice of a silk circle mounted on a wire frame or small prayer flag. Designs will be provided if you would rather not try to design your own piece and concentrate on the painting. Since this is a new experience for most students, it is important you feel comfortable with the project at hand. You will apply the techniques you have learned in the morning session on a small scale creating a beautiful piece to take home. If time allows you may be able to complete more than one of these smaller scale projects. The techniques you learn in this workshop and the handouts you will receive will set you up for success in your own projects in the future. The process of painting on silk takes time and patience. Steps cannot be rushed. The demonstrations and hands on practice you receive during the workshop will be wonderful building blocks and combined with the printed handouts and you’re your afternoon projects; you will be able to create larger projects on your own later.