Picket Fence Art Studio

2.5 hour Introductory Course on Encaustics, Ages 18 and over, Supplies Provided

Interested in exploring the ancient art form of encaustics?

Encaustic is a wax-based paint (composed of beeswax, resin, and pigment), which is kept molten on a heated palette. It is applied to an absorbent surface and then reheated to fuse the paint.

Encaustic painting is one of the world's oldest art forms! The artists of Ancient Greece made the earliest applications of encaustic wax paint – hence the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to burn in."

During the 2.5-hour course, you will be guided from start to finish to create a mixed media encaustic piece. We will start with a brief introduction to encaustics and then dive right in.  You will learn:

how to prepare the surface for wax,

how to embed mixed media objects,

how to add details with an encaustic pen, and

how to finish off your project with pan-pastels.

Everyone will leave with a finished encaustic piece of art.

What to Bring:   We will start with a board and apply the media on top with the use of wax - the wax acts as a glue, so you need to think of absorbent things - notes are charming, photos work if printed on computer paper, dried flowers, leaves, maps, etc. Clearer items take on a cool transparent look. We will enhance our pieces with pastels to add color. If you are stumped, do not worry. I have a large stack of mixed-media items.