Painting Program:

Investigation of Naturally Sourced Pigments and learn from indigenous artisans

We are deeply passionate about the environment, and this course will not only teach you how to create art using nature but also help you understand the connection between materials and their sources.

included in the basic residency

Collect Natural Pigments with Trina Brammah

Join artist Trina Brammah for a hands-on workshop exploring the world of natural pigments and earth-based paintmaking. With over eighteen years of experience working with earth, stones, and plant dyes, Trina weaves ancient fine art techniques with a deep respect for the natural world.

During this workshop, you will:

Discover where and how to collect natural pigments from the environment
Experiment with plant dyes and explore methods for creating durable, long-lasting paints
Learn multiple techniques for transforming pigments into paints using a variety of binders
Work with Trina to explore monotone color palettes through color theory and wash techniques

Artists are encouraged to experiment independently in the studio, as this residency is self-directed. Before working with natural pigments, participants are advised to first find inspiration using materials they already feel confident with, then gradually introduce new techniques into their established practice. There are many local nature spots to explore, with several just a short walk from Sachaqa. For those who prefer not to hike far, there are also plenty of nearby areas suitable for collecting materials.

Trina’s belief that plants, rocks, and earth are living consciousness infuses her teaching, making this workshop both an artistic and restorative experience.

optional - Hike to Anakiwi River in search of a yellow - Iron Oxide (3-hour hike)

A 20-minute uphill walk from Sachaqa will bring us to a viewpoint over the Cordillera Escalera conservation area. We will then continue to the Anakiwi River, where we’ll have the chance to collect iron oxide pigments from ancient rock formations, swim in clear river pools, and enjoy a picnic lunch. This hike involves crossing the river several times and includes a 60-minute walk to a special spot where Anakiwi meets the Cumbaza River.

indigenous Ceramics Class

One– to two-hour hike to the Native community of Chunchiwi
Cermics class rolls of clay method with a Kechwa potter
Learn to create a basic ceramic bowl and paint your pot using colored clay
Participate in a traditional Shuntu firing process
Cost: 35 soles per class, paid directly to the artisan
Collect natural pigments along the way

Sachaqa is located near Indigenous Kechwa villages, where traditional knowledge is still practiced, though it is sadly becoming rare. Trina shares these traditions with care and respect, helping participants reconnect with the natural world through art.

Traditionally, the clay is kneaded by foot and mixed with a powder called grog (Shaño). Once the clay has dried, the pots are fired in a traditional open-fire process known as Shuntu.

The walk back from the community offers stunning views, and along the way we can collect natural pigments—forming a palette of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and browns inspired directly by the surrounding landscape.

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extra classes not included within the basic residency

plant dye course - Trip to Lamas Town the capital of the Kechwa people.

There are two very different areas to explore in Lamas. At the top of the hill, Lamas feels almost like a quaint European town and is home to a castle built by an Italian millionaire in the 80s. Just a few minutes downhill, we enter Wayku, the capital of the Indigenous Kechwa community.

We will move beyond the main tourist areas and journey into the back streets where everyday life unfolds. Here, participants will learn how to make plant dyes with local expert Gillermina. One of the most meaningful parts of this experience is being welcomed into a Kechwa home, where we will spend time with a local family and share a meal prepared with locally gathered ingredients and cooked over an open fire.

Back in the studio, Trina will guide participants in transforming these dyes into durable, long-lasting paints.

Activities Include:

Collecting and preparing five different plant dyes
Prepare traditional dye techniques with a local Kechwa expert
Sharing a home-cooked meal with a Kechwa family
Chumbe weaving class or traditional ceramic class
Studio session with Trina to turn natural dyes into lasting paints

Includes: English speaking tour guide, plant dye course and a course in ceramics or Chumbe weaving, transport and one meal.
Price: 1 person s/.410 soles $120USD

2 people s/.315soles $95USD

A full-day cultural and ecological. journey from Tarapoto to the Indigenous river town of Chazuta, known for its:

ecological paper, ceramics, cacao, and natural hot springs.

One and half hour drive: from Tarapoto to the indigenous port town of Chazuta.
Ecological Paper Production: Visit a local paper-making factory to learn about the process of creating paper from local products. Opportunity to purchase unique hand made paper products.
Ceramics Museum: Start your day at the ceramics museum, where you’ll discover the history and significance of indigenous pottery.
Mishky Cacao: chocolate factory where we can buy amazing chocolate.
Ecological Soap we can buy ecological soap and medicinal products.
Lunch: Rio Bosque Mágico, Nina Juane which is a traditional dish wrapped in a leaf.
Afternoon: Choice of walk to the hotsprings of Chazutayacu or Cacao Farm Tour: Explore a local cacao farm and discover the journey from bean to chocolate. Learn about the medicinal plants cultivated on the farm and their traditional uses.
Journey Home: After a day filled with creativity, culture, and delicious flavors.

Includes: English speaking tour guide, courses/tour, sending the pot for collection, transport, juice and snack and meal.
Price: 1 person s/.420 soles $125 USD

2 people s/.330 soles $98 USD

mural painting with miguel correa

Murals are a powerful way to give back to the community and have a long history rooted in culture, storytelling, and social expression. Artists will work with natural pigments. One of the great things about natural pigments is that they are free and abundant. The course covers concept development, mural design based on themes of culture and community, and essential painting techniques. While mural surfaces require a synthetic base, students will learn to use wood-glue binders to create durable, long-lasting murals.

Course Activities Include:

Introduction to mural history and cultural significance a tour of the mural art in the city
Exploring natural pigments and binders
Concept development and theme-based design
Scaling and transferring designs for large surfaces
Painting techniques and mural execution

Includes: English speaking guide, 2-day course in total.
Price: 1 person s/.340 soles $100 USD

Painted by Matilda Dujardin
'Who worked, the weaver or the weaving?'

Painted by Migual Correa

Develop your work in the studio

After we have collected our materials we can spend time developing our ideas in the studio. If you would like to display your work after your residency we offer various online platforms where you can share your work with a larger audience. An exhibition is entirely up to you, we can invite friends from our local community to the studio, light a fire in the garden and celebrate. if you would like an exhibition in the city of Tarapoto there are various cafe-bars where we can exhibit. The city is always changing, so this can be a very spontaneous event.

Group chats in the studio -Trina Brammah talking about her work.

It's great to get together and talk about our creative process.