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encaustic painting | about
the workshop | about
the instructor | coed
workshop | departure | view
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Encaustic painting (painting with hot wax), one of the world's oldest techniques,
has been rediscovered by contemporary artists. The paints are a blend of pure
pigment and molten beeswax resulting in a mixture uniquely seductive and virtually
nontoxic. The nature of the medium is also suitable for collage, imbedding
objects into the wax, and an unlimited variety of three dimensional effects.
This can result in a layered, velvety sheen like the topping on a glazed donut.
Encaustic painting dries rapidly and its characteristic matte and rich color
create luxurious artwork. This is an exciting medium for beginners or seasoned
painters alike.
The curriculum can accommodate beginners and experienced
artists alike, so prior art experience is not required.
You'll first learn the history of encaustics and
the nature of the medium. Next will be a hands-on
explanation of materials, supports, substrates, tools
and color theory. After demonstrations of your basic
tools and examples of abstract and representational
techniques, you'll be free to start experimenting
with the hot wax medium. We provide all your materials,
tools, and the essentials - fruits, chocolates, and
Chardonnay. Walking to lunch in village is a great
source of inspiration and color themes, textures
and collaging materials.
You'll be eager to pick up where you left off, so
we schedule 'warm up' time in the morning. Throughout
the day, you'll see demonstrations of textures,
taping, incising, use of pigment oil stick, wax
pouring, collage, imbedding objects, xerox transfer
and rubber stamping. After each demo, you'll have
time to play with each technique. Viewing the demos
is not mandatory, so you're welcome to continue
working if you can't break away. Your instructor
circulates the room between demos, giving personal
consultations as you explore technique and color.
By day three, you'll feel comfortable with the medium
and the tools so we set aside this day for you
to further develop the style and techniques you're
naturally drawn. Work on exactly what you like
- the time is yours to create. The final demonstration
will be on preparing your paintings for hanging
and shipping, so you'll be ready for your first
exhibition when you get home.
William Harsh is a well-known painter, printmaker
and studio art instructor, who has lived and worked
in the art community of Benicia, California for
the past 20 years. He received his MFA from Boston
University, and has studied with Philip Guston
and James Weeks. William has had numerous solo shows
and his work is represented in galleries
across the country and in private collections in
the US, Canada and Europe. With nearly two decades
experience teaching painting, drawing, color, design,
and printmaking at colleges and universities throughout
New England and the San Francisco Bay Area, William
has returned to teaching the encaustic medium.
We're
happy to answer any questions
you have about Artista, and will
keep you informed about upcoming
creative safaris.
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Our studio crew will assist you in packaging your work for travel and, if you
like, we'll be happy to arrange shipping. Check-out time is at noon, so you've
plenty of time to snap photos of your new friends, exchange addresses, and take
one last tour down Ocean Avenue.
Along with your paintings, you'll depart with your
apron and a lifelong relationship with your creative
self. Remember, our goal is simple: to better the
world, one Artista at a time.
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