Encaustic is the art of painting with molten beeswax, mixed with colored pigments and resin. The results are like no other medium—mysterious, deep, and translucent, with a glow that seems to emanate from within. I offer a wide variety of introductory and intermediate workshops in my private studio in SE Portland and nationally. No experience is necessary, and don’t worry if you aren’t a painter because you can also collage with wax. My introductory classes are a great alternative for small groups like birthday parties and wedding showers.

Introductory Encaustic Classes

Beginning Encaustic Painting Intensive

No experience is necessary for this quick start wax collage and painting class. We’ll start by learning the basics of wax painting and fusing by making colorful paper collages with beeswax instead of glue. We’ll practice techniques including layering, transparency and wax stamping. Next you’ll learn to paint using techniques involving dripping, scraping and textured finishes using wax in an assortment of vivid colors. All supplies will be provided.

To see the class dates, register, or view an introductory video go to http://www.embracingencaustic.com/workshops/. Classes will be held in my private SE Portland studio.


Mixing Your Own Encaustic Medium & Paint

In this class we will mix a big batch of encaustic medium (beeswax and resin) and then I’ll show you how to use that as a base to make encaustic paint using three types of color: dry pigments, encaustic crayons and pre-mixed colors. Then you try it! Every student will take home 3 tins of paint and one cake of encaustic medium.

There will be a short supply list which will cost students anywhere from $15 – $30+ depending on what type of pigment and colors you choose to purchase. This class easily pays for itself considering the amount of paint you take home, and how much money these new skills will save you. Please note: This is not a painting class. Space is limited to 6 students so classes fill quickly.

To see the class dates or register go to http://www.embracingencaustic.com/workshops/. Classes will be held in my private SE Portland studio.

Intermediate Encaustic Classes

Beyond Basics: Transfers & Collage

This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax. We’ll build on your basic painting and fusing skills, but we’ll go well beyond the basics. I’ll do several demos of intermediate techniques and help you try each of them yourselves. Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Transfers: Transferring images and drawings onto wax is quick and easy, and gives a beautifully rustic effect. Bring several copies your favorite images or drawings in the form of high contrast black and white photocopies in various sizes. With some practice you can even build up several images between layers of wax.
  • Collage: Heavier papers and three dimensional objects can pose problems for collage artists working in wax, but knowing a few tricks makes all the difference. We’ll look at items that break the traditional rule of “thinner is better” and how to best handle them in your work.

All supplies will be provided and you will leave class with 2 – 3 finished projects. Limited to 6 students.

To see the class dates, register, or view an introductory video go to http://www.embracingencaustic.com/workshops/ Classes will be held in my private SE Portland studio.

Beyond Basics: Texture & Pigment Sticks

This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax. We’ll build on your basic painting and fusing skills, but we’ll go well beyond the basics. I’ll do several demos of intermediate techniques and help you try each of them yourselves. Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Texture: We’ll create texture by encasing different materials in between layers of wax, using brush techniques to build up sections and specialty tools to remove others. It takes many layers to properly build up texture — but it’s worth the patience
  • Pigment Sticks: Think of this as oil paint in stick form that can be applied directly to your wax paintings. By incorporating pigment sticks with texture, you can add depth to your encaustic paintings not possible with wax alone. We’ll explore how best to fill incised lines, glaze with subtle color and draw directly onto the wax surface with vibrant colors.

All supplies will be provided and you will leave class with 2 – 3 finished projects. Limited to 6 students.

To see the class dates, register, or view an introductory video go to http://www.embracingencaustic.com/workshops/. Classes will be held in my private SE Portland studio.

Workshops Outside of Oregon

Beverly, Massachusetts
Third International Encaustic Conference
Building the Surface with Stencils & Embossing
June 2009

Brasstown, North Carolina
John C. Campbell Folk School
Basics & Beyond: A week long encaustic workshop
September 2009

To register for classes or see the full class schedule please visit http://www.embracingencaustic.com/workshops/.