a short synopsis class
Encaustic Painting

student work from 03-15-2008 workshop


Encaustic (heavy impasto)


Encaustic (thinly painted)


encaustic mixed media


Encaustic mixed media
with Gold Leaf

Iris Peek (japanese iris) over acrylic on built up (rag mat) on masonite


A Workshop by Jon Rader Jarvis

This is a high content workshop class consisting of 6 hours. Each class member will participate in the discussion of steps to vastly improve their painting techniques and materials. They will understand encaustic painting materials and techniques and receive a handout with enough information to fill a book. The workshop handout will be a fully packed reference work with sources, bibliography and links.

Chapter Contents:

Painting surface: Boards, mounted canvas, alternatives
Grounds: Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, gold leaf, flake white (Crementz or lead white), and tinted grounds
Dry pigment: Sources, precautions
Making Encaustic paint: Pigment, Wax, andhot & cold wax peculiarities
Tools and Equipment: Hot plate, heat guns, heat lamps, others
Safety: Hazardous materials, fire, others
The Medium: Wax, water-wax, oil-wax, commercial products (solvent based)
Drawing materials: WC and Oil crayon, carving and scraping tools
Varnishes: Wax and none
Presentation: Frame, edge, none
Alternatives and Future use: Giclee printmaking, simple means, acrylic faux encaustic.

COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The student will learn to make or use the materials and techniques of encaustic painting. This class offers practical information for working in encaustic.

CLASS CONTENTS: Projects for this class require additional time to prepare media and painting surfaces. Each demonstration will explain the practical ways to use the materials and techniques of encaustic painting. Class discussion is encouraged.

Introduction
Learning the basics of encaustic painting and how to use them -- these are the necessary skills for any encaustic painter. Since we don't, as a rule, make our own paint or prepare our own canvas, encaustic painting is different. This class will explain what options are available so that artists make choices from knowledge not ignorance. If you would paint with encaustic, you need this information.

We study basic materials and what goes together to make encaustic painting. Paint recipes are included. These educational tools will show you how to improve the materials you use, the intensity of the colors and longevity. This class will provide a recipe book and bibliography that you will use for your entire career in art.

We begin with old media and forms, and progress to the present day use. Then we will try to predict what the future will bring.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: A class materials list will be provided at time of registration. Bring note making materials and questions to the first class. The greater the class participation, the greater the material covered and depth of content and learning.

© 2008 Jon Rader Jarvis, all rights reserved              A five page synopsis