Combining encaustic with other materials and media opens a world of creative possibilities! Encaustic is a wax based paint (composed of beeswax, resin and pigment), which is kept molten on a heated palette. It is applied to an absorbent surface and then reheated in order to fuse the paint. Learn about painting with this ancient medium in this hands-on introductory workshop where you’ll learn safe studio practices and the encaustic painting basics. Various techniques will also be demonstrated including how to incorporate mixed media processes with encaustic such as photo transfers, embedded collage, glazes with pigment sticks, and incorporating found materials. This class takes the intro to encaustic painting class into the next level with mixed media techniques. This is a process class- come and explore this versatile medium!
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time:
Thomas Merton
Workshop Supply List
Art Supplies:
At least 2 cradled wood panels, 8×8 inches or smaller, maximum size 8×10 inches. You can find wood panels at Michaels, Plaza Art Supply or online, but you can also just bring a spare piece of wood. I work on cradled wood panels such as these: https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-wood-panels
Images and Collage Items:
Please bring images and collage items to work with. Below are directions on how to prepare your images for the techniques you will be learning.
– Images for transfers onto wax: black and white photocopies made on a toner or laser copier, such as one at an office supply store or the public library. Go for images that have a high contrast, nothing too detailed. Please note: Prints from home printers will not always transfer on wax!
– Images for embedding/collage: found images from magazines/books, drawings on lightweight paper, printed photos on regular office paper, rice paper, or tissue paper. Avoid papers that are thick or have a shiny surface.
Feel free to bring assorted papers, fibers, textiles, small lightweight ephemera and objects to experiment with embedding into the wax.
Optional art supplies:
Please only bring these if you have them, do not go out and buy them as I will bring some for the class to use:
– mark-making tools, such as a pintool, a tracing wheel, metal stamps/small cookie cutter shapes etc.
– 1 or 2 favorite oil paint sticks or oil paint for glazing techniques – my favorites for creating earthy glazes are burnt umber or ochre
I will be bringing images and collage items that you will be able to experiment with, so don’t worry too much about getting everything prepped! I find that people love to work from their own visual and collage stashes as it makes the work more meaningful. Most important is bringing the two wood panels, your curiosity and willingness to explore this fun medium!
