Returning for the 4rd year in 2026

In this unique three-day participatory workshop experience you’ll be introduced to the exciting processes and techniques of encaustic painting (hot wax) painting. The workshop is appropriate for beginners as well as those with more advanced encaustic painting experience. A brief history and description of encaustic painting will be discussed as well as an overview of the basic supplies and tools used in Encaustic painting. Participants will learn a variety of techniques including incising, collage, image transfers, mixing paint, creating texture and working with masks and stencils. There will be ample studio time and one-on-one instruction. You will develop your aesthetic and artistic voice using the ancient medium of encaustic. Participants will create a minimum of four works of art and leave with confidence to continue the exploration of encaustic painting.  

Kathleen will lead the encaustic workshop.  Painting with the ancient, luminous medium of encaustic wax offers unlimited creative possibilities. Encaustic medium is a combination of beeswax and damar resin with pigment added to the medium for color. Encaustic painting is a process of applying the heated wax onto a substrate and fusing layers of wax with a heat gun or torch. Review of the history, safety practices, and basic skills of encaustic painting will be covered through conversation and demonstrations with hands-on practice. We will review various encaustic tools and materials, and multiple techniques for achieving lines, texture, and composition when working with encaustic paints. Participants will explore the medium and be encouraged to move beyond the basics into exploration of layering techniques and collage work. We will cover individual creative goals and discuss studio set up for encaustic painting as well.