Discover the important role that geology plays in pigments that color our world! Have you ever wondered which unique earth system factors influence the chemistry of pigments? Would you like to learn more about the history and chemical evolution of mineral-based pigments, the sourcing of pigments from geologic ores, and environmentally-sustainable innovations in pigments?
Our four expert panelists will satisfy your curiosity and guide some interactive painting using sustainable pigments produced by one of our panelists. You'll have the opportunity to network with others who are interested in learning how geology influences the world around us.
Organized By
Association for Women Geoscientists Lone Star Chapter
Cristina Mazzoni University of Vermont Webinar Painting Panelist
Vicki Broomhead, Illinois "1st ever attempt at watercolors!"
Expert Panelists
Cristina Mazzoni Mieder Green & Gold Professor of Romance languages School of World Languages and Cultures University of Vermont
I teach Italian Studies and European Fairytales to the most wonderful college students, started painting about a decade ago, and have been making artisanal watercolors for the past five years. I use plenty of synthetic pigments for my paints, but my heart sings when painting with earth-based colors.
I will teach you some ways to incorporate watercolor earth paints into your life, with simple landscapes and intuitive work, and the gentle warning that watercolors are addictive.
Mary Virginia Orna Professor Emerita of Chemistry College of New Rochelle
Sister Mary Virginia Orna, O.S.U. (Order of Saint Ursula) is Professor of Chemistry, Emerita, College of New Rochelle. She is also former Director of Educational Services at the Chemical Heritage Foundation and former Publications Coordinator of the Journal of Chemical Education. She received her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Fordham University. She has lectured and published widely in the areas of color chemistry and archaeological chemistry. Her articles have appeared in countless monographs and journals. She has also authored numerous book chapters and encyclopedia articles, eight books and edited thirteen others, including "The Lost Elements: The Periodic Table's Shadow Side." Her most recent book is "March of the Pigments." She has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching, innovation and volunteer service. As a hobby, she enjoys constructing crossword puzzles and has contributed over two dozen puzzles to the Sunday and daily New York Times.
Charles "Chuck" Hoover Consultant/Retired Hoover Color Corporation
A 4th generation "colorman," Chuck received a BS in Geology from Alfred University and MBA from the University of Utah. From an early age Chuck Jr. could be found doing various jobs in the family's pigment factory, including prospector, miner, lab technician and a blenderman. In 1982 he began working for Hoover Color as a System's Analyst, oversaw the technical service department, technical sales and became president and CEO. He is now semi-retired and acts as a mentor / advisor to Oxerra, who purchased Hoover in 2016. He is married with two grown children and is an avid skier and traveler.
As a geologist Chuck has spent a lifetime prospecting around the world in search of ores. As a pigment expert he has helped countless people and companies to utilize pigments to meet their color needs. In his talk Chuck will share his thoughts on Color and how rocks and minerals have impacted mankind's color usage throughout history.
Bob Hedin President/owner, Iron Oxide Recovery
Bob has worked in the mine drainage remediation world for 35 years. In 1994, he formed Hedin Environmental, a small consulting firm that has designed 80 passive treatment systems that remediate mine waters contaminated with iron, aluminum, and manganese. He recognized that they produced very clean iron oxide and in 1999 worked with Hoover Color to develop EnvironOxide pigments, finding applications in wood stain, paint, and colorant markets. Since then, 6,000 tons of iron oxide have been recovered from mine water and converted into pigments.
Bob Hedin will discuss the treatment of iron-contaminated mine waters and the common formation of pigment-quality iron oxide solids. Iron's journey from pyrite to water pollutant to finished earthtone pigment will be presented. Particular focus will be on the Lowber passive treatment system which has produced thousands of tons of iron oxide that have been converted into sienna and burnt sienna pigments.
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