
Laura Leigh Lanchantin
Catskill Mountain Landscapes, Earth Pigments, Workshops
Laura Leigh is a Hudson Valley-based artist, educator, and musician who has spent over a decade developing a unique practice centered around creating pigments from the natural world. Laura has completed several artist residency programs in National Parks and Education Centers across the country and aims to help others through creative healing and connection with nature.
Laura Leigh offers wellness centered workshops in clinical settings, natural pigment and painting workshops for children and adults, as well as painting enrichment programs for children.
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earth pigment creative wellness program
Overview
I offer guided, nature-based art experiences using handmade earth pigments to support relaxation, emotional expression, and meaningful engagement.
With over a decade of experience developing pigments from minerals and plants, my work bridges art, nature, and wellness—creating accessible, calming creative experiences for patients, residents, and staff.
These sessions are designed to be gentle, inclusive, and adaptable for a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities.
Program Offerings
Introductory Session (60–90 minutes)
A relaxed, guided painting experience using natural watercolor pigments.
Participants are introduced to the materials and gently guided through a painting process.
Ideal for:
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Patient groups
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Behavioral health settings
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Staff wellness sessions
Immersive Workshop (2–3 hours)
A deeper, hands-on experience combining pigment-making demonstration with painting.
Participants engage with the tactile, sensory process of transforming raw earth into color, followed by guided creative exploration.
Ideal for:
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Small group programming
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Rehab and recovery settings
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Special wellness events
Multi-Week Program (4–6 sessions)
A progressive series designed to build familiarity, comfort, and creative confidence over time.
Sessions may include:
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paint-making demonstrations
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guided painting
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open creative exploration
Ideal for:
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long-term care
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rehabilitation programs
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ongoing therapeutic engagement
Why This Work Supports Healing
Creative engagement is widely recognized as a powerful support for emotional and mental well-being.
This program specifically incorporates:
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Sensory engagement
Working with natural materials provides a grounding, tactile experience -
Mindfulness & repetition
The slow, rhythmic process of painting promotes calm and presence -
Emotional expression
Participants are invited to explore color and form without pressure or expectation -
Connection
Shared creative experiences foster gentle social interaction and engagement
The use of earth-based pigments adds an additional layer of connection to nature, often enhancing feelings of calm and curiosity.
Testimonials
“Painting with Laura over the past two years has been deeply calming and restorative. Her art therapy classes create a peaceful space where stress melts away and creativity flows naturally. I always leave class feeling more grounded, relaxed and refreshed.”
J. Condil, Connecticut.
Program Rates
Programs are customized based on group size and structure.
Typical range:
$500 – $2,000 per session or series
Pilot sessions and introductory programs are currently available!

Recent Projects



40 students learning Plein Air in the Hudson Valley for a Work Retreat
Mural commision completed in Maui, Hawaii
Students taking "Imagination Art Club" at the Sara Hull Hallock Free Library in Milton, NY
Nature's Palette
handmade earth pigment watercolors for sale/workshops


In this informative workshop, artist Laura Leigh will walk through the traditional method of creating watercolor paint from Catskill Mountain rocks and minerals. This includes gathering stones, milling pigments, and applying these paints with your painting process. Each student will have the opportunity to create a small watercolor palette to take home. The end of the workshop will feature an open-paint session with pigments, charcoal and watercolor mediums.
Adult & Children's workshops available for all skill levels. All materials included.













