Wax Works West Class Descriptions

Class Name: Encaustics Basics

Description: In this introductory class we begin with safety, the most important component in learning encaustics. We address ventilation, correct working temperatures, and the proper use of equipment. We explain the composition of encaustic paint, appropriate supports and grounds, palette and studio set up. We will show you how to size a panel, the many different ways to apply paint, fusing options, teach you all about brushes, color and color mixing, how the paint looks at full strength versus glazing, and focus on how to achieve a smooth surface. We introduce you to one of our favorite tools: the hot stylus pen. All materials are included.

Prerequisite: None
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic: Making your Mark

Description: In this class we will briefly review basic concepts, such as safety, sizing a panel and fusing. In our segment on surface, we will teach the following techniques: masking, incising and filling (intaglio), and drawing directly on top of the wax with a variety of tools. We will be working more in-depth with the fabulous hot stylus tool. You will learn several ways to achieve a textured surface and continue to refine your technique of achieving a smooth, glass-like surface. Using oil sticks, we will show you how to add fine lines of color on top of, or beneath the surface. All materials included.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic: Transfers and Surface Treatments

Description: After briefly reviewing sizing and fusing, we will turn our attention to transfers. Wax is the perfect ground to receive imagery from a variety of sources. We show you how to transfer carbon paper and carbon based pencils, Saral, graphite, charcoal and pastels onto the surface. We will teach several techniques for photo transfers using toner-based imagery on regular paper, and professional baker's parchment paper.

You will learn a trio of metallic leafing techniques, from the humble joss paper to metallic leaf and foils. You will learn to bling your surface with the iridescent magic of mica-based powder. Last but not least, you will also experiment with alcohol inks; how they can enhance the surface or add interest and impact beneath the surface. All materials included.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic + Paper

Description: In this popular two day class, based on our DVD of the same title, we warm up by making large sumi ink paintings. We demonstrate numerous techniques for working with paper, including collage, transfers, inks, pigment and much more. We address a number of ways in which you can mount works on paper. You will leave class with a completed sample book of your work.

Prerequisite: None
Price: $295.00 (includes $25.00 materials fee)
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Advanced Teaching Encaustic with guest artist Laura Moriarty

An intensive training seminar for painters who are interested in learning how to teach encaustic painting as an independent artist, or for educators who want to introduce the method to their students. Led by R&F's workshop director, Laura Moriarty. Class size is limited to 6 participants.

Prerequisite: All participants must be experienced with encaustic painting techniques.
Dates: see schedule

This 4-day workshop is being administered by R&F Handmade Paints. Please contact R&F at 845-331-3112 for more information or to register via R&F: R&F Registration
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Class Name: Excavating Encaustic with guest artist Laura Moriarty

Description: This two day workshop is all about exploring wax, color, and the way the two respond to the environment. Using the studio at Wax Works West as an experimental laboratory, we will push paint past it's comfortable, flat boundary, to discover what is buried within the painting. Rather than working toward finished pieces, we will create a series of artifacts, specimens and curiosities made entirely from pouring, piling, folding, flipping and scraping paint. Projects include using transfer techniques to make graphic 'geodes', pouring mixed colors, refined scraping and fusing pieces together. We will be working at a fast pace, so a little familiarity with basic encaustic working methods will be helpful. Caution: raucous laughter may erupt in this class!

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Making Faces with guest artist Charlie Levin: Encaustic Portraits

Description: Don't let the title scare you off! Dating back to the Fayum portraits, faces have looked out at us from the wax. As elemental as our bodies, wax offers translucency and texture that can bring a particular presence to portraiture. Painting with wax, however, poses a variety of challenges, how to work up subtle shading, paint fine details, keep the texture and details where you want them and preventing it from going all "cattywampus" when fusing.

In this two-day class, you will learn and practice a variety of techniques to control the wax and paint details, build subtle renderings of skin-like textures and shading, and talk about color. We will employ different fusing techniques, scraping, carving, sculpting, drawing, printing and layering to render faces in ways you can apply to your particular style of painting. All materials included.

If you've never painted a "face" not to worry! Students can bury photographs in the wax and learn all of the techniques that Charlie teaches without the intimidation of having to "draw" a nose or lips!

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Perplexiglass: Making Painting Clear with guest artist Charlie Levin

Description: The question always comes up, "can you paint encaustic on plexiglass?" The answer is a resounding Yes! In this experimental workshop, Charlie will share her skillful way of painting on plexiglass. You will explore the play of light, color and translucency. Depending on how the work is viewed, and the lighting, you might end up with two distinct pieces in one. Charlie's technique is spellbinding, like watching a magician! All materials included.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic Monoprinting with guest artist David A. Clark

Description: Encaustic Monoprinting is an exciting two day introduction to the techniques involved in producing repeatable images while printing with wax. The purpose of this class is to expose participants to a wide variety of paints, papers, stencils and tools connected to the mono-print process and to give students access to varied printing techniques that will allow them to fine tune their prints. Students first begin by learning the basics and variables of the encaustic monotype: heat, paint, paper and pressure. They then progress to layering color and pattern using different types of stencils and masking in order to further refine their printed images. Students can expect to create a wide variety of prints during this class encompassing a varied range of technical and intuitive process. Come discover how much fun monoprinting with wax can be.

Materials: All paints, papers and tools will be provided. Students will be given an allotment of a variety of papers to work with, and more paper will be available for purchase if you find that you are a very fast printer. Students can also choose to bring some of their own paper. Appropriate papers are Kitikata, Masa, Rives Lightweight and Rives BFK, Johannot, Kozo, Sumi and Sumi-E papers work well when printing with wax and printing with stencils. In general absorbent papers work best, but great effects can be achieved with lighter weight papers as well.

Also, students may bring any stencil materials they may already have and would like to use. When working with wax, stencil materials must be heat tolerant, so in general, premade stencils, unless they are paper or heat tolerant plastic, will not work with this process.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $295.00 (includes $25.00 materials fee)
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic Collage with Wendy Aikin

Description: Almost anything is fair game in collage, and lucky you-encaustic medium is your "glue." Wendy will teach you to collage in a two ways: on the panel and directly on the palette. We will work with interesting papers that we've sourced from around the world. In addition, we will make use of natural materials and fiber. Will demonstrate how to make your materials lay flat or use them dimensionally. We will learn different methods of shimming and fusing. You will be amazed at how you can reactivate the surface of a collage and reposition your elements at any time.There are only a few rules to follow. All materials are included but be sure to bring your own special (non-shiny) papers, natural fibers and natural (dry) elements to experiment with.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Assemblage with Wendy Aikin

Description: You are in for a treat in this intensive workshop! This master of assemblage has a fascination with the Cabinet of Curiosities, and a wonderful sensibility and eye for placement. She will work with you on how to adhere items to your substrate, when it is best to use wax and when to use adhesives. She will have many suggestions on framework. On day one, you will learn a variety of techniques in order to fabricate components to be included for use in your assemblage. The techniques might include: mold-making, plaster-casting, and inclusion preparation. On day two, you will assemble. You will be using tools such as drills, saws, Dremel, sanders, adhesives, including wax, when it's the right tool for the right job. All encaustic supplies are provided. A materials list will be provided after registration.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic + Pastels with Judy Stabile

Description: In this class, Judy will take you on a magic journey by transforming encaustic layers with pigment. She will show you how to beautifully lay down color on the wax by using chalk pastels and encaustic medium. She will demonstrate how easily and simply you can control color and imagery. Pastels are a fabulous way to introduce subtle color variations and texture into your work. We will use a variety of media to introduce line work, including Stabilo pencils, India ink, and Caran D'Ache. Judy is a master of the figurative, and is equally comfortable with abstraction, both of which can be achieved with this technique. This method is so much fun and instantaneous, that you and will marvel at the results! We supply everything you need, but feel free to bring your own pastels if you want to experiment with different brands. All materials included.

Prerequisite: none
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Going Deep with guest artist Cathy Valentine

Description: In this class we will be developing depth with layer upon layer of medium that has been marked with India Ink. We will bury our imagery, abandoning each drawing to the background in order to reveal the new and unexpected. This process requires time, patience and the ability to "let go" of what you may feel is a completed piece. The work will help to develop spontaneity and comfort within your drawing skills. Come willing to try something new. We will make our own drawing tools so bring some interesting sticks if you like. All materials included.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Moving the Work Forward, Critical Feedback with gallerist Miles Conrad of Conrad Wilde Gallery

Description: This interactive session is designed to remove barriers, identify next-steps, and empower artists to reach their full potential. Learn the secrets of presenting your work to a gallery, developing stronger marketing materials, and writing a more effective artist statement. Participate in a group level critique of your work within the context of a supportive, yet challenging community of peers.

Prerequisite: none
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Off the Wall: Encaustic in 3 Dimensions with guest artist Miles Conrad

Description: One of the intrinsic qualities of the encaustic medium is sparking exciting developments among artists of encaustic. This hands-on workshop will cover the technical fundamentals for creating innovative three-dimensional works with items that are non-traditional materials for use with encaustic. Miles breaks all the rules, and incorporates mixed media and found objects. You'll love your day of dipping and diving into the wax pot!

Prerequisite: none
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: The Repeated Pattern with Judy Stabile

Description: For those of you for who love pattern, this class is the ticket! Judy will guide you through a host of exercises in which you will achieve patterning on your waxy surfaces. You will be exploring pattern with the use of a variety of stencils and rubber, metal and plastic stamps. All materials included.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Draw, Stitch and Dip

Description: Gwen Hedley's book, Drawn to Stitch provided the inspiration for this class. It is ideal for those working with or interested in combining textiles, fiber and encaustic. We will be working with fabric, paper, and thread, experimenting with how to incorporate wax in a variety of ways. We can alter backgrounds, weave grounds, hand or machine stitch, print, and much much more. Employing these methods can easily turn the work into sculptural forms, or repetitive elements for larger work.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic and Text with Daniella Woolf

Description: For many of us, the written word is a starting point for our work. In this class, we will experiment with encaustic methods using writing, incising, stamping, transferring, collaging and stenciling, all with text-based imagery. We will work on panels and/or paper.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Encaustic Rust and Burn with Daniella Woolf

Description: This innovative class addresses the techniques of rusting on paper, fabric and directly onto the encaustic surface. We will also burn paper, fabric, and occasionally our substrates with a variety of tools, such as incense, torches, wood burning tools, and more. Rusting works beautifully on encaustic medium and encaustic paint. We will also experiment with rusted and burned paper and fabric as collage elements.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $135.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Methods and Materials: Beyond the Brush with guest artist Fanne Fernow

Description: An exploration of making art with hot tools and other advanced ideas about working with wax. In this class, we will spend two days considering the possibilities of wax. We will let ourselves dream and then figure out how to make the dreams come true.

We will explore the different attachments of the hot stylus. How do we make the paint flow? What will changing the temperature do? How much medium to we need? How do we create translucency in the paint? How can we make the work look more painterly? What are some of the projects that you started and gave up in frustration? How do we address our fears and find courage?

Fanne will demonstrate a few different pen attachments, wire brushes, baby irons, large irons. She will show you tools she put together herself. You will learn different ways to fuse and to get the wax on the surface. She will use rollers, eye-droppers, turkey basters and some just plain drizzling. In addition, the class will make medium and talk about the different ratios and colors of wax. We will address the search for translucency and opacity, and learn to use practice boards. And at some point, Fanne will confess that brushes are useful tools and show you some ways to make them work better. Her goal is to make working with wax interesting and fun, no matter what.

Fanne promises you lots of individual attention and critique after each day of work.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: Precision, Layering and Clarity with guest artist Lisa Kairos

Description: Encaustic painting is known for it's luminous qualities, and in this class we'll take the luminosity to new levels. In this two-day workshop, students will learn how to embed multiple layers of delicate, precise imagery within transparent encaustic medium to create atmospheric paintings that seem to glow with diffused light. We will explore the properties of wax medium, and learn how to plan and create compositions that allow light to travel within the painting. Lisa will demonstrate several precision techniques including intarsia, paper cutting, stencils, templates, graphite transfers, piercing, surface texture, reflective materials, and maintaining a smooth surface. Other topics will include problem solving, repetition, and pattern. Students will have blocks of time to practice techniques and explore this approach to encaustic painting.

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: $270.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

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Class Name: 5 Day Encaustic Intensive with the women of Wax Works West

Description: Attention snow-birds-this one is for you! Leave the grey of the Pacific Northwest, or wherever you are, in the rain, snow, sleet or hail and come to the beautiful Monterey Bay in sunny (we hope) California! We will spend five days working on and off panels, combining methods and techniques from a variety of our classes. We will spend the first two + days working with encaustic and paper then move on to collage and finally begin our work on panels. As a bonus, we will send each participant our Encaustic + Paper DVD in advance!

Prerequisite: Encaustic Basics
Price: 5 days $675.00
Hours: 10-4
Dates: see schedule

To reserve your spot, register online or please mail your check to:

Wax Works West
c/o Wendy Aikin
981 Pleasant Valley Road
Aptos, CA 95003

(note: please include your name and e-mail address for confirmation purposes!)

Studio Phone: 831-786-9120


STUDIO RENTAL: Arrangements can be made for private use of our studio. The daily rate is $225.00 per person with a minimum of three people. E-mail waxworkswest @ gmail.com to make your reservation.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION: Arrangements can be made for private instructions with any one of the Wax Works West instructors. The daily rate is $725.00. E-mail waxworkswest @ gmail.com to make your reservation.