Traditional Watercolor Marbling — Seattle — Four-Day Intensive

Before modern acrylic colors transformed contemporary marbling, marblers prepared their colors by hand from pigments, binders, additives, and other materials whose behavior had to be understood and controlled. This intensive workshop returns to that tradition.

Students will explore the preparation and use of watercolor and traditional pigment-based marbling colors, learning how pigments are dispersed and adjusted and how binders, surfactants, and other variables influence their behavior on the marbling bath. Particular attention will be given to the very different working characteristics of these materials compared with modern acrylics.

Using historically informed methods, we will create a selection of classical patterns associated with traditional book and decorative-paper production, exploring the restrained control, delicate line, complex surface, and distinctive visual character possible with watercolor and pigment-based systems.

The workshop places equal emphasis on making the colors and using them. Students will learn to diagnose paint behavior, make appropriate adjustments, understand the interaction between individual pigments, and develop the judgment required to achieve repeatable results.

For students accustomed to prepared acrylic colors, this workshop offers a substantially deeper examination of the materials and historical craft underlying marbling. For experienced marblers, it provides an opportunity to work closer to the methods and materials used by generations of professional marblers before us.

Skill Level: Advanced

Prerequisite: prior experience with marbling required
Tuition: $1,399 per person + supplies and materials
Supplies & Materials: $350 due on-site

2026 Dates & Locations:

Seattle, November 6-9 ( 10:00am – 5:00pm )

https://www.seattlepapermaker.com/terms-and-conditions

Registration may be cancelled for a full refund within 72 hours of the original purchase. After the 72-hour cancellation period, tuition and registration fees are non-refundable, except where a refund is required under Eventbrite’s Organizer Refund Policy Requirements or applicable law.

Eligible registrations may be rescheduled up to two times with at least 30 days’ written notice, subject to availability, class prerequisites, and any applicable difference in tuition.

Refund or rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing by contacting Seattle Papermaker/Atelier Gaál through Eventbrite or using the contact information provided for the event. Seattle Papermaker/Atelier Gaál will provide an initial response within five business days.

If Seattle Papermaker/Atelier Gaál cancels the event, does not fully perform the event, materially changes the advertised event, or another circumstance requires a refund under Eventbrite’s Organizer Refund Policy Requirements, refunds will be provided in accordance with those requirements.

Medical emergencies and other exceptional circumstances may be considered individually in accordance with the Atelier Gaál Class, Workshop & Studio Terms and Conditions.

By registering, attendees agree to the complete Seattle Papermaker/Atelier Gaál Class, Workshop & Studio Terms and Conditions, including cancellation and rescheduling policies, studio safety requirements, assumption of risk, and applicable liability provisions: