10 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
Colors of Serra da Lousã
by Marta Rodrigues
Workshop on creating watercolors sets from natural pigments.
Natural pigments have long been part of our human history and culture. Our ancestors created art using the colours provided by the Earth - ancestral practices that we can still learn today and apply in a thoughtful, contemporary way.
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.
Marta Rodrigues is an artisan-artist and founder of the project Tons Terra_Collection, dedicated to natural pigment workshops since 2022.
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.
Learn more about Tons Terra_Collection and Marta’s work.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
SCHEDULE
September 10th:
3:00 pm: Accommodation and check-in of participants
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Reception at the studio and course introduction.
September 11th to 13th:
Course from 10 am to 6 pm, with a two-hour lunch break (1pm to 3pm)
September 14th:
Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation
Want to know more? Ask us for the full program at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
CONDITIONS:
Deadline for enrollment: August 10th, 2026.
Special discount for newsletter subscribers available for early bird registrations by April 23rd, 2026.
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
Integration in a small group of participants;
Training 6 hours a day, speaking in English and Portuguese;
Lunch during the course, from 11 to 13 September;
Free accommodation at the hostel during the course (4 nights)*;
All the materials needed for the course;
*The hostel - Casa da Aldeia - is equipped with two dormitories (female/masculine), a kitchen, and two shared bathrooms.
The booking includes towels and linen.
⚠️ IMPORTANT!
Each participant should bring comfortable clothing, a backpack, and small bags for for collecting rocks and soil.
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES AVAILABLE:
Upgrade to 4 nights in a standard schist house shared by 2 participants and breakfast at an additional cost of 320€/per participant. Includes shared room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Upgrade to 4 nights in a standard schist house for single occupancy by 1 participant and breakfast, with an additional cost of 460€/per participant. Includes single room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. This rate is not cumulative with other discounts or promotions. For more information, contact artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com .
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.
PAYMENT INSTALLMENT OPTIONS
You can pay for the course in up to 5 monthly installments, depending on the course. Payments are automatically deducted from your chosen payment method starting from the date you submit your registration form. Please be aware that additional costs for this service apply, depending on the selected installment plan. At checkout, after selecting your preferred option, make sure to review the total amount to be paid before completing your registration. Please note that if installment payments are not fulfilled within the established timeframe, your registration will be canceled without a refund of the amounts already paid.
If you have any questions, contact us at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
