Do you love texture? Seeing the history and geography of underlayers peeking through? Are you intrigued by cold wax as an oil paint medium? The goal of this intensive 9-hour hands-on workshop is to dive playfully into the world of cold wax medium (CWM) without expectations, focusing on tools and techniques unique to CWM. No experience is required or expected (but returning students are welcome to expand on skills and techniques)!
Students new to CWM can expect to create a "sampler" of techniques to use in future paintings.
Returning students will become even more proficient with basic tool handling and techniques; will compare working on dryer surfaces; and will begin to translate CWM into their preferred style, whether abstract or more realistic.
Returning students will have "homework" beforehand: 2-3 days before class, they should T-hinge mount 3-4 substrates on cardboard then paint 3 contrasting layers (mark the date & time on the cardboard) to compare how the results of various techniques change when applied to a dryer surface. They will bring 2 additional UNPAINTED substrates (+ mounting cardboard) to class.
On day 1, ALL students will practice basic tool-handling together and will create 3 under layers using a brayer and squeegee. On days 2 and 3, we will begin to explore creating texture and layering techniques on semi-dry underlayers as the wax begins to dry and set up a little. We will play with additive methods including pigment sticks, wet & dry transfer printing, stencils and masking, veils of transparent or opaque color; and also with subtractive techniques like scratching, scraping, and solvent reduction.
As we build layers, we will talk about contrasting warm/cool, transparent/opaque, smooth/textured; about tool choice; and about safe and more sustainable studio practices. Returning students will begin to incorporate CWM techniques into compositions considering the principles of unity, balance, movement, rhythm, focus, contrast, pattern and proportion.
Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.
Maximum of 4 students. Three 3-hour sessions.