Creating Plant-Based Watercolors and Inks (Hybrid) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Creating Plant-Based Watercolors and Inks (Hybrid)

Learn techniques for extracting natural colors from plants to create inks and watercolors, while uncovering the unique properties and possibilities each plant offers. Open to students ages 16 and above.

Course description

Through playful experimentation, craft personalized color palette and gain insight into how plant materials can enrich an art practice. Along the way, explore how these materials can be used in a personal art practices and learn simple ways to make an art studio more sustainable and regenerative. The course introduces the idea of plant-based materials in an approachable and engaging way, offering creative alternatives to traditional art supplies without overwhelming technical detail. It’s perfect for those who love watercolor and are curious about creating innovative, more sustainable materials. / Materials fee of $46 included in course tuition.

Open to students ages 16 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This course is hybrid, a mix of in person and online course sessions. Class will meet in person on MCAD's campus on February 21 and March 7, 1:00–5:00 p.m. Class will meet online on February 28, 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Google Meet. The instructor will have virtual office hours on February 28, 3:00–4:00 p.m. to answer questions and provide individualized feedback and guidance.

Prerequisites

None

Required materials

Supplies for first class

  • pen or pencil
  • notebook or sketchbook
  • watercolor brushes - no need to buy new

The materials fee for this class will cover the required supplies.

Students will need additional supplies to work at home, please review supply notes from the instructor.

Optional supples

  • apron/lab coat.

Hardware
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access, a camera, and microphone for class meetings.

Required readings and resources

Recommended textbooks

What to wear
Clothes appropriate for messy creativity. An apron may be useful.

Class savings

Register on or before January 19 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$201.00
Student Birthdate
  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    1:00–5:00 p.m. CT
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Saturday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 16 and above.
  • Term:
    Spring 2026
  • Instructor: Lara Cornell
  • Location:
    Hybrid
  • SKU:
    CSFA 9402 01 SP26

Prerequisites:

None

Address

2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact Us

612.874.3700
800.874.MCAD (6223)
Fax: 612.874.3701

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Land Acknowledgement

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) acknowledges it is located on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. This is the ancestral homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who were forcibly exiled from the land because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. We recognize that this place has a complex and layered history. As a community dedicated to creativity, MCAD is committed to ongoing efforts to support and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.


Nondiscrimination Policy

MCAD admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.