In this workshop, you will explore the colour potential of the Serra da Lousã by collecting local pigments and extracting colour from rocks and soil. With Marta’s guidance, you will learn each step of the process: grinding the raw material into a fine powder; using the levigation technique to separate clay from other earth components; and producing a natural binder that will bring the pigments together to form watercolour paint. This three and a half-day workshop is also an invitation to reconnect with the nature that surrounds Cerdeira.
At the end of the workshop, you will take home your own palette of mineral colours from the Serra da Lousã, along with the knowledge to continue developing a more natural and sustainable artistic practice.
DATE: September 10 – 13, 2026
PRICE: €790 / person
SCHEDULE:
September 10: 3:00 PM – Participant reception and check-in
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Reception at the Atelier and course introduction
September 11 – 13: Course from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a two-hour lunch break (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
September 14: until 11:00 AM – Accommodation check-out
THE WORKSHOP FEE INCLUDES:
. Integration into a small working group;
. 6 hours of daily training, delivered in English and Portuguese;
. Lunch during the course, from September 11 to 13;
. Accommodation in a dormitory at the hostel during the course (4 nights)*;
. All materials needed for the course;
*The hostel – Casa da Aldeia – is equipped with two dormitories (female/male), kitchen, and bathrooms. The reservation includes towels and bedding.
Registration deadline: August 10, 2026
National Registry of Tourism Animation Agents No. 135/2021
Requirements
Surrounding Area
Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel at 21m
Candal Shop at 1.6km
PR4 LSA - Schist Walking Trail Lousã - Rota das Quatro Aldeias at 1.6km
Talasnal School at 2.7km
Casa da Eira at 2.7km
Nossa Senhora da Piedade Shrine at 3.4km
River beach of Senhora da Piedade at 3.5km
Lousã range at 3.5km
PR 2 LSA - Schist Walking Trail Rota das Aldeias do Xisto da Lousã at 3.6km
PR5 LSA - Schist Walking Trail Lousã - Rota dos Serranos at 3.6km
Information
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.
Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.
All prices include VAT at the current legal rate.
Specialized in pigment extraction and the production of natural paints, she developed her own collection of watercolors and wax pencils made from mineral and plant-based pigments. Her work celebrates the colors of the Portuguese mountains while promoting more sustainable artistic practices and conscious use of natural resources.
In addition to her deep connection with nature, Marta is also committed to early childhood education, believing that fostering environmental awareness and respect in children is essential to nurturing conscious and responsible adults.
At Cerdeira, Marta will share her knowledge with us and, for the first time, explore the colors of Serra da Lousã, inspiring us to adopt more sustainable approaches into our artistic practice.