This past Saturday I had the pleasure of teaching another encaustic workshop up in Evanston, IL at Perfical Sense Studio. The focus of this workshop was on transfers, which is a technique that I incorporate in my encaustic process often. Actually, I remember the first time I did a transfer to wax, I yelled out a “Woo-hooooo!” and did a dance of joy at the work table. I had been creating mixed media paintings using acrylic gel transfers already and once I saw that wax loves transfers, I knew that encaustic was a medium I could fully embrace. It was an exciting and memorable moment. Ha! Really, though, it was!
It’s so interesting teaching these workshops as everyone who attends comes with a different background and experience. Whether it is someone who has been a formal oil painter for years or someone who is just dipping their toes in taking an art class for the first time or a book binder, the thread that unites everyone is the willingness and excitement to jump in and to not be afraid of what happens. It is really great to be a part of that and sharing the techniqes and processes that have fueled my own artmaking.
I was so happy when Laura returned for her second workshop with me and brought photocopies of her own drawings to work with. I just loved the marriage of her delicate line drawings transferred onto the wax. Laura is an encaustic natural and I can’t wait to see more of her work now that she has taken the plunge and is setting up an encaustic space at home. Yeah Laura!
I had another treat that afternoon as Beth of Tangled Sky Studio stopped by after to say hi after the workshop ended. It was so nice to see her as we I haven’t seen her for awhile.
I will be back up in Evanston around May 20th to participate in the Evanston West Village Festival. I will be showing some of my encaustic paintings with Perfical Sense Studio at this Festival. I will post more information soon. It looks like it will be fun!
I went to college in Evanston…who knew that I’d be back there so much now just a little over a decade later!? Funny how life cycles back.
So wish the class would have been in my budget. Glad it went well and everyone enjoyed.
It was great seeing you too Bridgette. It was obvious how much everyone enjoyed the class as you are a natural teacher : )
Does Laura know she can draw in India ink on the wax — or even with vine charcoal or pastels? It would open up worlds for her!
When are you coming to NYC Bridgette to teach????
Oh thanks Meri!! And Bridgette you’ll be happy to know that I made my very first encaustic at home today! It’s currently withstanding “the kitchen test.” So of course I put it on my blog and linked back to you! 🙂