Online Classes
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Online Encaustic Painting & Mixed Media Lab Workshop
I dream in wax.In 2003 I took a 3-day encaustic painting workshop that caused me to say “THIS IS IT”. After this online workshop, you might say the same thing!!!
Workshop Description
In my 5 week, online course you be taught classic encaustic painting techniques as well as contemporary methods of combining encaustic with other mediums such as…. oil paint, pastels, charcoal, graphite, watercolor, silkscreening, image transfers and collage. Setting up your encaustic painting space, working safely, mixing your own mediums and framing options will also be covered. Upon completion you will come away with my tried and true tips & tricks, sources of supply and a head full of new techniques, ideas and inspiration — plenty of information to continue your journey with encaustic! You will have a bird’s eye view of my studio and will see my actual working set-up and how I organize myself to stay on track and productive! I think you will enjoy my instruction as much as my in-person workshop students do!
About Me
I have been teaching my Encaustic Painting & Mixed Media Lab Workshop since 2004 both independently and through the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA. At VMFA I am an adjunct faculty member in both their Studio School and their Statewide Artist’s Workshop Program where I travel throughout the state teaching this encaustic workshop to schools, art centers and museums. Because of the success of these workshops – they always fill and have a waiting list! – I have developed an online version to help reach a wider audience.
I paint everyday. I have a dedicated studio practice. You have the advantage of being inside my studio and seeing how I set up – physically and mentally - to be creative and productive. So, in addition to receiving sound technical instruction, I will share with you things that help keep my creativity flowing and where I find inspiration to keep showing up in the studio! Join me, I would love to meet you and guide you on your way to learning a versatile and exciting process!
This online class is perfect for anyone who:
- wants to learn the basics of traditional encaustic painting (painting with molten, pigmented wax) combined with mixed media – step-by-step.
- has some experience with encaustic and would like a review because they can’t remember where to start!
- has tried to teach themselves from books but can’t quite seem to figure it out + wants to shortcut the headaches of learning by trial and error
- is looking to use encaustic painting as either a stand- alone process or wants to combine encaustic with various mixed media or collage
- wants to embellish their current work with encaustic paint (provided your work is not acrylic as the two mediums do not combine well)
Workshop Format
The online material, videos and discussions will take place on a private class website. Upon registration you will be given a username and password. Each week you will be instructed through text and videos on the “how to” of various techniques. Questions will be answered through comments, email and if necessary a repeat video demo. This is a technique-based class. The intention is to make you familiar and comfortable with handling encaustic paint with various other mediums. There is a private Flicker Group where you have the option of posting your work for feedback from the group or to have questions answered and problems solved.
Prerequisites
None! No painting experience necessary!
How to get the most out of this class / Maximize your investment.
Purchase, at the very least, a minimum amount of materials so you can fully participate. Have a dedicated, ventilated workspace. Know how to take decent pictures with a digital camera and have the ability to upload them to the internet- if you would like to upload to the group’s Flicker site. This way you be part of the class community and interact with other students. This is totally optional but can be so inspiring and helpful to the online class community.
This class may NOT be a good fit for you if:
You are already adept with encaustic painting techniques and comfortable combining mixed media. Wait for my “Encaustic: Large Format” where we get over the hurdle of beginning to work on a larger scale.
How this works:
• Sign up via PayPal
• You will receive passwords protected site information (where the class videos and blog are found)
• Gather supplies!
• Class begin May 7, 2012
• Login at your convenience – no set class times
Supply list and optional supplies -see FAQ below
Please contact me with any other questions!
FAQ
I’ve taken an encaustic workshop before but never set up to actually do it. Will I learn anything from the class?
I have had many students in that situation who have come back for a second workshop to refresh their memories and get down to work. Not knowing what you learned, and what you remember makes it hard for me to access if this is the right class for you. Contact me if you have questions.
I can afford the class but don’t think I can buy any materials right now. Can I still take the class?
Yes, but honestly I believe you will get more out of it if you can actually paint. So, my advice would be to wait. I will be offering this again. You can certainly learn by watching the videos and following along but there is nothing like actually letting your studio fill up with the wonderful aroma of beeswax, getting a brush in your hand and finding out what it feels like to let warm wax flow off your brush! If you decide to take the class anyway you will have access to the lessons and for 60 days.
What materials will I need?
Here is the bare essentials materials list (items with an * asterisk). Cost varies between suppliers. When you enroll you will find more detail about the items. In the meantime, you are welcome to contact me with questions.
* Encaustic paint (starter sets are great!)
* Encaustic Medium – bleached or unbleached
* 10 mat boards, Ampersand ClayBoard, Hardboard, Encaustic Board or wood panels. Start small – no larger than 10 x 10. No acrylic gessoed boards.
* Heat gun (about 28$ at hardware store) torch or mbossing gun. Hair dryers are typically not hot enough. I use several kinds of heat guns (my Makita with nozzles is my fav and I like the Iwatani torch I bought on Amazon).
* Cheap Natural Bristle Brushes 7$-ish for a set of 18 at Michaels stores.
* Hotplate/pancake or warming griddle. Found at K-mart, Beall’s, Target, your pantry…….
***I will have a limited number of Paint & Medium starter sets available to enrolled students.
For your safety I highly recommend having: Exhaust Fan
Fire extinguisher
Candy or Griddle Thermometers
I don’t have a studio. Can I set up in the kitchen?
Not advisable! Encaustic can get messy and you never want to do your art-making & your food/eating areas. Set up a table next to a window in an unused room in your house – somewhere — and make it YOUR OWN! Having your own work space is essential to your creativity and productivity. You deserve it!
I don’t see stretched canvas on your list. I have lots of these. Can I use them?
Although I’ve seen it done, I don’t ever advise using stretched canvases as your substrate. You will get the most archivally-correct finished piece if you use a rigid, absorbent panel.
What mixed media materials do I need?
The more the merrier! But if you don’t have everything – don’t run out and buy a bunch of stuff you may not ever want to use again. Watch the demo and if it trips your trigger, buy the material and give it a whirl – remember, you have 60 days to access the workshop online. Acrylic paint and encaustic don’t combine so don’t purchase any for this class!
I want to learn how to mix my own mediums to save money. Do you teach that?
Yes! But… unless you know you will want to make your own- before you order a lot of raw materials, order it pre-made and don’t get held up in the details. Again, you have access to the online classroom for 60 days.
Will I learn how to mix my own encaustic paint?
Paint mixing is not offered in this class. It will be offered in my next class.
My friend wants to take the class with me, do we both have to pay?
I trust the integrity of my students and am hopeful that everyone who participates has paid. 
What if I have questions or problems?
I will be available M-F (and sometimes on the weekends!) for the duration of the course to answer the questions via the comments section or via email. I will also be checking the Flicker site and making comments there.
Will this class help me with design and composition?
This is a technique-based class. The intent is to teach you how to understand encaustic paints and combining them with various mixed media. It is not a design class.
Can I use crayons instead of encaustic paint?
I never recommend using crayons. Pigment is suspended in paraffin in crayons. Paraffin has a low melting temperature, high shrink rate and can be brittle. The pigment quality in encaustic paint is higher and the paint will withstand the test of time. IE: Fayum Mummy Portraits. ha!
Do you offer refunds?
Due to the nature of online classes I do not offer refunds.
Have more questions? Please feel free to contact me! I’ll be adding to FAQ as questions come in.
