Encaustic Immersion!
3-Day Painting Workshop
April 10-12, 2024 Taos, NM
Day One: Introduction to Encaustic Painting
There will be several presentations with demonstrations, followed by plenty of hands-on work time. You will develop a solid understanding of the medium, proper application techniques, and a few completed sample boards. Be prepared to take notes!
Days Two & Three: Further Study in Encaustic Painting
Encaustic medium is beeswax with a small amount of damar resin cooked into it. Pigment is added to the molten wax to create encaustic paint. The paint is used in its molten form, and each layer is fused with heat. We'll be using encaustic paints by R&F Paints and Enkaustikos.
Classes meet from 10am to 4pm with a one hour break for lunch. There are nice dining options within walking distance of the studio. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided.
The cost for the three full days for this special introductory class is $700 per person, with a minimum of two students, all materials included. You will come away with a lot of knowledge, some test boards, and a few paintings.This is the best, most complete immersion into the process of encaustic painting. I'd love to have you in this class! Please let me know if you'll be able to join us. You can reserve your spot with a deposit. Contact me to verify space available. Payment accepted through Venmo or by check.
Please join me in my studio for workshops or private instruction in Encaustic Painting & Monotype, Mixed Media, Collage, Cold Wax + Oil. I also occasionally present demonstrations and workshops at the International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown, MA. I highly recommend this conference!
First of all, I am an artist, second, an instructor. My most important responsibility as a teacher is to you, the student.
I am a self-taught artist, working in various media for more than 30 years. In 2000, I began working with encaustic, both in painting and monotype. After ten years experience with encaustic, I began teaching. I have experimented with materials, studied a lot of art and artists, taken classes and workshops, and adapted what I've learned into my own methods and techniques.
What you receive in class as my student is the culmination of my years behind the palette, and a distillation of everything I have selected to keep - in my toolbox, in my techniques, in my esthetic, and in my work habits. Each artist has their own way of seeing and expressing their vision; I guarantee you will learn something in my classes that will help you pinpoint, and express, yours. We will get to know each other online, prior to the class, so we both clearly understand your goals. In teaching, it is my goal to support you along your way.
Introduction to Encaustic Painting
Everyone must have the basics…history, safety, ventilation, proper working temperatures, substrates, making medium, mixing paint, applying and fusing paint, creating textures and smoothness. There will be several presentations with demonstrations, followed by plenty of hands-on work time. You will develop a solid understanding of the medium, proper application techniques, and a few completed sample boards. Bring a notebook to take notes!
The Fun Part: Further Study in Encaustic Painting
Once you’ve learned the basics, we will get into mark making, mixed media, image transfer, embedding images and items, collage, metal leaf, pastel, oil pastel, and oil pigment sticks. Bring your ideas as this workshop is about your work with these techniques.
Prerequiste: Introduction to Encaustic Painting or permission. The Introduction and The Fun Part classes together make an excellent two day workshop.
Lighten Up: Painting and Printing with Encaustic on Paper
Discover the nuances of painting and printing on various papers with Encaustic. You will learn how to prepare the paper for painting, getting a clean border, using mixed media and mark making, creating depth with minimal layers, unifying the work, finishing the work, and presentation options. Encaustic Monotypes can also be used in collage. Two days minimum.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Encaustic Painting or permission.
Please note: There may be an additional materials fee for some papers.
The Mix: Oil, Cold Wax, Encaustic...What's the Difference?
Work with encaustic. Work with oils and cold wax medium. Work with both together...yes, you CAN do that. Cold Wax is the current rage, and there is some confusion about it. Learn the differences in these mediums, and proper safety and working techniques...then feel free to test the rules. You'll learn the whys and the why nots, which is invaluable. Those who possess a strong curiosity and love of experimentation will enjoy this class. You'll need to bring some finished encaustic pieces to work over. Two days minimum.
Prerequisite: Advanced knowledge of encaustic or permission.
Other Workshops Available: Mixed Media, Encaustic Monotype, Collage with Encaustic Monotypes
Workshop Fees and Details
Three Day Intensive: $800 USD plus $100 materials fee
Two Day Workshops: $600 USD plus $50 materials fee
One Day Workshops: $350 USD plus $25 materials fee
Private Instruction: $150 per hour, plus materials as agreed
Ask about special pricing when you put your own group together.
I'm also available for critique and helping to plan or finish current projects.
Classes can be customized to dial in certain skills or to solve technical problems the artist may be having. If there is a particular skill you want to work on, just ask!
Classes are five to six hours per day, and include beverages and snacks. Schedule and times by arrangement.
A maximum of four students per class ensures personalized attention.
A deposit of 50% by cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal, is required for registration. The deposit is refundable, minus a $25 USD handling fee, if you need to cancel up to two weeks prior. If you must cancel within the two weeks prior to class, I will refund your deposit if I can fill your space. Please call or email to register; classes book up quickly.
rae.miller.artist@gmail.com or call 505-490-7568