Workshops

Workshop Information

Encaustic 101 Basics

Come learn the basics and history of encaustic beeswax painting!

In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of encaustic painting, as well as:

● Brief history of this Ancient Greek painting medium

● Studio safety

● Panel/substrate options and prep

● Technical demo of encaustic application

● Terminology and tools used

-You will be creating 2 original encaustic paintings!

-For this workshop I have 2 different demo options, a leaf or a water theme, you may also paint what you’d like. If you simply want to play around with the paint and create an abstract piece, that is also welcomed. Feel free to bring a print out reference photo if you'd like as well.

-Drinks and snacks will be supplied during break.

-This workshop includes all materials necessary, see below, I also have additional panels and encaustic starter kits for sale.

-14+ All workshops will be limited to 4 participants. This intimate class setting will allow for one on one overview and instruction.

Materials supplied by instructor (for use during workshop):

(For each student) Encaustic medium and ready to use Enkaustikos and R&F paints, x2 birch wood panels, heat gun, butane torch, hot palette with temperature regulator, brushes, palette knives, various scraping tools, tape, aprons, wax paper, paper towels, gloves, heat tolerant working surface. Additional materials relevant to the nature of the workshop will be included as well.

Mixed Media Focus

This workshop will have a mixed media focus, using different papers, natural fibers, and other various embellishments. The mixed media class will have the same encaustic basics and demo, but will be more focused on collage than painterly techniques.

Specific Techniques

Encaustic painting does have a vast amount of different techniques and it is hard to cover them all in one workshop.

Here is a list of the techniques I teach;

photo/watercolor encaustic, underpainting, mark making, stenciling, monotypes, India and alcohol inks, shellac burn (advanced technique), intaglio incising and accretion.

These techniques are best learned after some experience working with encaustic and relative success with first layer applications.

Independent Work Hours

These work hours are booked in blocks of 2-4 hours and are $25 an hour. I do require previous encaustic painting knowledge via one of my 101 workshops or another encaustic instructor.

Everything is supplied for the workspace: Encaustic medium and ready to use paints, heat gun, butane torch, hot palette with temperature regulator, brushes, palette knives, various scraping tools, tape, aprons, parchment paper, paper towels, gloves, heat tolerant working surface.

**Please note:

- There will not be any instruction given during this time, however I do offer private lessons.

- The fee does not include panels or boards for these work hours, so you must bring your own or whichever substrate you wish to use. I do have various sized panels in the studio for purchase.

- I do not allow any acrylic including primed surfaces with acrylic in the studio, due to the incompatibility with encaustic and acrylics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at meltyspacecase@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What ages are workshops for?

All classes and workshops are open to mature 13 year olds and up. This is due to the use of a heat gun and torch when painting with hot wax. Please only sign up your teen if you believe they are responsible and mature. Please email me if you have any more questions.

Will I need to bring supplies?

No. All supplies and materials are included in the workshop price. Just show up ready to learn something new and leave with very unique paintings!

I do offer extra kits, paints, brushes and panels for sale inside the studio shop.

Will there be food and drink?

I offer drinks, water, coffee, tea and light snacks/treats. You are more than welcome to visit one of Lowe Mill's wonderful restaurants and food truck if you'd like something more substantial. There are no predetermined breaks, it's very causal so when you feel like taking a break you are welcome to. You may also bring your own food and drink into the studio as well. Since we are privately owned, you are allowed to bring in a reasonable amount of alcohol.

May I paint something other than the demo?

Absolutely! I will always encourage others creativity and expression. You are welcome to bring a reference photo to work from. This is your workshop; you may paint what you'd like!

Must I sign the safety waiver?

Yes, I will require everyone to sign the safety waiver at the start of each class. We will be working with hot wax, heat guns, and torches, this ensures that the rules are followed. Failure to sign the waiver will result in the inability to participate in the class.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

All classes and workshops require payment in full at time of booking. You have a 3 day cancellation window after purchase, after that no refunds will be made. If an emergency occurs and you are unable to attend, please email me and we'll go from there. In the event that I need to cancel the workshop a full refund will be made, unless you'd prefer to have a workshop credit. No shows are non refundable and non transferable.

Do you take photos of the workshop?

I do take photos during classes. This will be closeups of work, action shots and a final group shot with everyone holding their work. Occasionally, the Lowe Mill media coordinator will come in and take photos of the classes well. If you are uncomfortable with this please let me know at the beginning of the workshop.

Do you ever teach private lessons?

I do teach private lessons on case by case and as my schedule allows. Please email me for more information.