Learn Encaustic

Expand Your Art With Encaustic

Workshops

Attend a workshop taught by visual artist Candace Law.

Encaustic is an ancient art form using hot wax.

Workshops are offered for artists at every level who want to learn about ways to incorporate this medium into their artistic expression. Newcomers to encaustic are always welcome!

Sessions are usually one day long and combine demonstrations, individual work time, and one-on-one assistance. Most materials and equipment are provided.

Encaustic on Fire Workshop | Saturday, July 25

Encaustic on Fire Workshop | Saturday, July 25

Description

Join me for a workshop you won’t want to miss! Let’s have some fun with fire and create one-of-a-kind encaustic artwork.

The main attraction of the day will be shellac in various colors—even custom ones. We’ll start in the classroom and prepare a few panels with medium and layers of paint, then we’ll move to the event space and outside to see and explore the magic of this material with fire. If you’ve never tried it, this is a great time to see the really lovely effects this technique can produce on your work.

I will also talk about and demonstrate other materials that can be burned as part of your encaustic creation. You’ll have a chance to try burning tar paper, wood glue, and even gesso.

As an added bonus, I will talk about and demonstrate shou sugi ban, a Japanese process of burning wood to preserve it and give an exquisite finish. Artists use it to give a unique look to the cradled edges of a wood panel. You won’t want to miss this!

This workshop is for artists at every level who want to learn about ways to incorporate encaustic into their artwork, or have worked with encaustic before and want to have a deeper exposure to a specific technique. Newcomers to encaustic are welcome!

Demonstrations are combined with ample time for independent work and one-on-one assistance, giving you a chance to explore some of the materials and tools of this versatile medium.

The equipment, supplies, and many materials are provided. To make your work more personal, feel free to bring small items, such as decorative papers, found objects, and other ephemera.

This is a popular workshop offered only in the summer and fills quickly, so grab this opportunity while you can. And sign up early to get the early-bird price! The cost is just $175 until July 10 or $195 for later registrations.

How to Enroll

Click on the “Register” button above, then follow the instructions to enroll. At checkout, you will be able to pay securely online with a credit card or PayPal. Payment plans are also available from PayPal.

Workshops are subject to cancellation because of insufficient enrollment or for other reasons. If a workshop is canceled, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer your registration to another scheduled workshop. Otherwise, registration fees are non-refundable.

Cost

Early Bird (Register by July 10)
1-Day Workshop: $175

Registration after July 10
1-Day Workshop: $195

Date and Time

Saturday, July 25
10 am – 4 pm

Location

Color | Ink Studio & Gallery
20919 John R Rd.
Hazel Park, MI 48030
248-398-6119

Encaustic on Paper at GPAA | Saturday, September 26

Encaustic on Paper at GPAA | Saturday, September 26

Description

Using paper as a surface for creativity is a time-honored tradition, and it can work beautifully with the ancient art of encaustic. Explore how to use encaustic on paper with visual artist Candace Law.
 
This workshop would be a great way to kick-off your creativity in the fall. New to encaustic, or just want to brush up on your skills? This is a perfect opportunity for you to get started. There will be demos, one-on-one time with the instructor, as well as ample time for individual work.
 
The workshop will include:
  • A review of the equipment, materials typically used, and basic safety tips
  • Experimenting with encaustic paint on heavy paper
  • Learning how to achieve a smooth surface
  • Using additional tools to add marks and incise lines
All equipment, paints and tools will be supplied by the instructor. Heavy paper (watercolor or Bristol board), approximately 9×12, will be provided, along with some additional items to use for mark-making or embedding.
 
Students are welcome to bring items to include in their art, such as absorbent papers or other ephemera to enhance and make their work more personal.
 
An apron and studio clothes with long sleeves are suggested. Bring a bag lunch or snack for a midday break.
 
The cost is just $85 for GPAA members and $105 for non-GPAA members and includes a $25 materials fee. Space is limited, so don’t wait—sign up today!

How to Enroll

Click on the “Register” button above, then scroll down the page to the enrollment form. Space is limited and will fill fast, so don’t wait!

Workshops are subject to cancellation because of insufficient enrollment or for other reasons.

Cost

GPAA Member: $85
Non-GPAA Member: $105
Includes $25 for materials

Date and Time

Saturday, September 26
10:30 am – 3:00 pm

Location

Grosse Pointe Artists Association Studio
The War Memorial Campus
32 Lakeshore Drive
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Texture in Encaustic | Saturday, April 11

Texture in Encaustic | Saturday, April 11

Description

Explore the many textures and surfaces you can create with hot wax!

This workshop is for artists at every level who want to learn about ways to incorporate encaustic into their artwork, or have worked with encaustic before and want to have a deeper exposure to a specific technique. Newcomers to encaustic are welcome!

Demonstrations are combined with ample time for independent work, and with one-on-one assistance, giving you a chance to explore some of the materials and tools of this versatile medium.

The agenda for the day will include:

  • An informal gathering at the beginning for art conversation over coffee and pastries
  • A brief review of the encaustic process, materials, and safety
  • Physical vs. visual texture
  • Creating texture with paint (accretion), tools, and adding other materials

The equipment, supplies, and many materials are provided. To make your work more personal, feel free to bring small items, such as decorative papers, found objects, and other ephemera.

This workshop is not offered very often and fills quickly, so grab this opportunity while you can. And sign up early to get the early-bird price! The cost is just $175 until March 27 or $195 for later registrations.

How to Enroll

Click on the “Register” button above, then follow the instructions to enroll. At checkout, you will be able to pay securely online with a credit card or PayPal. Payment plans are also available from PayPal.

Workshops are subject to cancellation because of insufficient enrollment or for other reasons. If a workshop is canceled, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer your registration to another scheduled workshop. Otherwise, registration fees are non-refundable.

Registration is closed

Cost

Early Bird (Register by March 27)
1-Day Workshop: $175

Registration after March 27
1-Day Workshop: $195

Date and Time

Saturday, April 11
10 am – 4 pm

Location

Color | Ink Studio & Gallery
20919 John R Rd.
Hazel Park, MI 48030
248-398-6119

What Participants Say…

“I just want to thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, humor, knowledge and expertise! I think you are an amazing teacher and facilitator. You balance info, discussions, demos and work time so naturally. It is very comfy and relaxed yet professional. The freedom to play along with the range of materials and sharing is just such a wonderful atmosphere for growth. You rock!!”

“This was the most enjoyable class I have ever taken. Thank you for your hospitality, kindness, and professionalism.”

“My first venture into encaustic and I love it. I’m hooked. Candace is an excellent teacher. I felt totally welcomed and look forward to more workshops.”

“Thank you, that was a fun class, it gave me a creative spark.”

“I had a wonderful time and am looking forward to doing more.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed the encaustic mini-meltdown! I am usually finished with workshops hours before everyone else, but this new adventure captured my creative spirit.”

“Can’t wait to come back. The atmosphere and you are so calming, the instruction clear, fun and helpful.”

Videos

I recorded these video demonstrations of encaustic painting for a presentation to a local group of artists. Click on a video to start or on the Playlist icon in the upper right to watch individual segments.

Overview & Basic Process

Additional Techniques

Resources

Books

Preview at Amazon.com

The Art of Encaustic Painting
By Joanne Mattera
New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 2001

Buy from Amazon.com

Preview at Amazon.com

Encaustic Art: The Complete Guide to Creating Fine Art with Wax
By Lissa Rankin
New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 2010

Buy from Amazon.com

Preview at Amazon.com

Encaustic with a Textile Sensibility
By Daniella Woolf
Santa Cruz: Waxy Buildup Press, 2010

Buy from Amazon.com

Preview at Amazon.com

Encaustic Workshop: Artistic Techniques for Working with Wax
By Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch
Cincinnati: North Light Books, 2009

Buy from Amazon.com

Suppliers

R&F Paints
Kingston, NY
(800) 206-8088
www.rfpaints.com

Manufacturer of encaustic paints, oil sticks, other products. High quality. Online resource for all kinds of encaustic information, forums, and workshops they teach. Ask about our selection of R&F products available for purchase.

Enkaustikos! Wax Art Supplies
Rochester, NY
(800) 836-8940
www.fineartstore.com

Manufacturer of encaustic paints. Sells wax, resin, medium, encaustic paints, specialty tools.

Dick Blick, also Utrecht Art Supplies
Galesburg, IL
(800) 477-8192
www.dickblick.com
www.utrecht.com

Pigments, wax, encaustic paint, brushes, tools, panels. Sells both R&F and Enkaustikos brand supplies.

Swans Candles
Lakewood, WA
(253) 584-4666
www.swanscandles.com

Discounted bulk supplier of beeswax, damar resin, and misc. items.

About

Candace Law is an encaustic mixed-media artist. Much of her current work blends an interest in the decayed industrial age and man-made objects with the abstract—as expressed through drawing, found objects, mixed media and encaustic.

Candace has exhibited in several solo shows, as well as numerous regional and national exhibitions—both invitational and juried competitions. She works full-time from her studio in Hazel Park (MI).

Visit CandaceLaw.com to see a selection of her artwork and to learn more.

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