Encaustic (Hot wax) Painting Workshop

Class Description

Saturday, May 23 12:30-5:30 pm In this one-day encaustic workshop, resident artist, Marcie Wolf-Hubbard, will introduce students to the medium of encaustic. Traditional encaustic (pigmented molten wax mixed with damar resin) is an ancient medium which has been used for more than two thousand years. All skill levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided and include encaustic medium (beeswax and damar resin) along with encaustic paint which is the encaustic medium with pigment added. Ms. Wolf-Hubbard will set up workstations equipped with electric griddles and crock pots to heat the encaustic medium and paint. We will apply the molten wax with a brush (natural bristle) onto a surface. The process includes using a heat tool to initially warm the surface and then fuse to the layers below (fuse between subsequent layers of the encaustic.) The heat tools we will use in class are embossing guns, as they do not draw as much power as a heat gun and are thus safer in the classroom. We are grateful for the Maryland State Arts Council's Artist-in-Education program support for this workshop!