Home | Purchase | Preview | Guest Artists | Reviews | Workshops | Projects | Contact
Encaustic Workshops

Encaustic is the art of painting with molten beeswax, mixed with colored pigments and resin. The results are like no other medium—mysterious, deep, and translucent, with a glow that seems to emanate from within. I offer a wide variety of introductory and intermediate workshops in my private studio in SE Portland and sometimes nationally. No experience is necessary, and don't worry if you aren't a painter because you can also collage with wax. My introductory classes are a great alternative for small groups like birthday parties and wedding showers.

Workshops in Oregon: Workshops Outside of Oregon: If you don't find an workshop near you listed here, contact the nearest encaustic group listed on the Encaustic Groups page for a referral.


Introductory Classes

Beginning Encaustic Painting

Saturday, May 2, 10 am - 4 pm, $160

Class will be in my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

No experience is necessary for this quick start wax class. You will use techniques involving collage, painting, scraping, layering, incising and textured finishes using wax in an assortment of vivid colors. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your favorite images or natural materials (such as dried plants) for your own personal touch. Topics will include: brief history, layering and fusing wax, adding papers, using natural materials and safety issues. Students will leave class with 2 - 3 finished projects.

Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students so classes fill quickly. View cancellation policy.


Not sure what to expect? View blog entries to see photos from my classes.


Introduction to Encaustic Painting

Monday, May 18, 6 pm - 9:30 pm, $80

Class will be in my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

This is a shorter version of my Beginning Encaustic Painting workshop. You will use techniques involving collage, painting, layering, and incising using wax in an assortment of vivid colors. Topics will include: layering and fusing wax, using natural materials and safety issues. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided. Most students will finish 1 - 2 projects during this class. Please note: Because of time constraints you will need to work with the specially prepared collage materials I provide for class. If you would prefer to work with your own imagery please sign up for the full day Beginning Encaustic Painting Workshop.

Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students so classes fill quickly. View cancellation policy.


Not sure what to expect? View blog entries to see photos from my classes.


Working With Encaustic Gesso

Next Date TBD, 6 pm - 9 pm, $80

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

Gesso helps reduce air bubbles and start from a white base. I'll demonstrate how to apply two different types of gesso that are compatible with wax. I often sketch into my wet gesso to get an idea of what I want my imagery to look like, and you can try it too. You can even use gesso to add texture or to create patterns to your panel before waxing, and they can be tinted before or after application. You will have the opportunity try all of these methods in class. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided.

Please note: this class does not include painting with wax because the gesso will need to dry first, but your panels will be ready for you to work on at home or during your next class. Most students leave class with 2 wood panels prepared with gesso. Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students. View cancellation policy.



Mixing Your Own Encaustic Medium & Paint

Next date TBD, 6 - 9 pm, $80

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to join the interest list for the next class.

In this class we will mix a big batch of encaustic medium (beeswax and resin) and then I'll show you how to use that as a base to make encaustic paint using three types of color: dry pigments, encaustic crayons and pre-mixed colors. Then you try it! Every student will take home 3 tins of paint and one cake of encaustic medium. There will be a short supply list which will cost students anywhere from $15 - $30+ depending on what type of pigment and colors you choose to purchase. This class easily pays for itself considering the amount of paint you take home, and how much money these new skills will save you.

Confirmation, directions to my studio and the supply list will be emailed to each student upon registration. Please note: This is not a painting class. Space is limited to 6 students so classes fill quickly. View cancellation policy.



How do you do that? View a short video showing how I paint with wax! (sorry, no sound)




Intermediate Classes


Intermediate: Encaustic Crackle Finish

April 29, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, $80

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

First we'll make a painting with wax then add the fun stuff on top. The crackle finish is a resist you paint onto warm wax then super heat until it cracks. This requires the use of a propane torch so if you aren't familiar with how to use one you'll learn that too. I have the crackle finish in a variety of colors and will share with you how to make your own custom colors at home. I'll also demonstrate how to go over part of the crackle finish with an oil paint mixture to create a delicate glaze of color.

This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax. We'll build on your basic painting and fusing skills, but we'll go well beyond the basics. All supplies will be provided and most students leave class with 1 - 2 finished projects. Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students. View cancellation policy.


Intermediate: Unusual Tools

Next Date TBD, 10 am - 4 pm, $160

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

This class is brand new! I'll gather several tools that are either hard to find, very expensive or just plain weird for you to try during class. It's more of an open studio with lots of fun new things to try as you work. Tools include a custom made wax writer that allows you to make precise lines with wax and requires no additional fusing, heat guns and propane torches with special attachments, mini torches, wax pens and more. This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax.


Intermediate: Wax Transfers

May Date TBD, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, $80

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

Transferring images and drawings onto wax is quick and easy, and gives a beautifully rustic effect. Bring several copies your favorite images or drawings in the form of high contrast black and white photocopies in various sizes. With some practice you can even build up several images between layers of wax. This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax. All supplies will be provided and you will leave class with 1 finished project. Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students. View cancellation policy.



Intermediate: Stencils & Embossing

May date TBD, 10 am - 4 pm, $160

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to join the interest list for the next class.

This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax. We'll build on your basic painting and fusing skills, but we'll go well beyond the basics. I'll do several demos of intermediate techniques and help you try each of them yourselves. Here's what we'll cover:
  • Stencils: I'll demonstrate several ways to cut your own stencils, as well as how use ordinary household materials to form lines, shapes and imagery in the wax. These stencilling techniques offer simple ways to develop striking forms.
  • Embossing: Learn to evaluate materials that are appropriate for embossing shapes and patterns into the wax. We'll use a variety of natural and manufactured materials to press directly into the wax surface, then highlight that texture with wax, pastels or oil paint.
All supplies will be provided and you will leave class with 2 - 3 finished projects. Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students. View cancellation policy.


Intermediate: Tons of Texture

Next date TBD, 6 pm - 9 pm, $80

Class will be at my studio, near SE 55th and Stark, Portland. Email me or call (503) 348-9139 to register.

We'll create texture by encasing different materials in between layers of wax, using brush techniques to build up sections of your surface and specialty tools to remove others. It takes many layers to properly build up texture -- but it's worth the patience! I'll teach you the equivalent of a dry brush technique using wax and show you how you can break (or at least bend) the "fuse-every-layer" rule. This intermediate class is for those already comfortable working with wax. We'll build on your basic painting and fusing skills, but we'll go well beyond the basics. All supplies will be provided and most students leave class with 1 - 2 finished projects. Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students. View cancellation policy.

Not sure what to expect? View blog entries to see photos from my classes.


Workshops Outside of Oregon

2009 Annual Encaustic Conference
Montserrat College of Art
Beverly, Massachusetts
June 9, 2009

I've been asked to teach a full day workshop on Building the Surface with Stencils and Embossing at the Annual Encaustic Conference in Massachusetts this year. Here are the details:

Learn how to use a variety of natural and manufactured materials to emboss patterns directly into your wax surface, and then highlight that texture with wax, oil or pastels. You'll be surprised at the types of items that work well for this, from golf tees to fresh leaves. I will also demonstrate ways to use stencils, including cutting your own patterns to add lines, shapes and simple imagery to your work. These techniques work well on any layer of your painting. There will be plenty of time to work on your own during class. Participants will need to bring panels and a few colors of paint. Most materials will be provided for a $25 fee, including medium, pastels, oil paints and pigment sticks to use in class. Enrollment is limited to 12. Find out more.

Visit my blog to view my impressions and photos from the various workshops, lectures and demonstrations we enjoyed in 2008.

Embracing Encaustic: Basics & Beyond
John C. Campbell Folk School
Brasstown, NC
September 2009

A North Carolina treasure for more than 80 years, the Folk School strives to bring people of all walks of life together in a supportive environment. They offer workshops in craft, dance, music, nature studies, gardening, cooking, photography, storytelling and writing. I will be teaching a week long workshop which will combine beginning and advanced classes for a complete and balanced introduction to encaustic painting. This will be my second time teaching at the folk school and I am honored to have been invited back! You can see info and photos from my workshops there last year on my blog.


Embracing Encaustic: Basics & Beyond
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts
Gatlinburg, TN
April 2010

I will be teaching a week long workshop which will combine beginning and advanced classes for a complete and balanced introduction to encaustic painting. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a nationally renowned center of contemporary arts and crafts education. Workshops are offered for one and two weeks in the spring and summer, and one-week and weekends in the fall. The public is welcome year-round to visit the school's five galleries, resource center and book and supply store. More details will be added as they become available.


Cancellation and Liability Policies

  • Cancellation 7 days before the class date = full refund or may change to another class.
  • Cancellation less than 7 days before the class date = full refund only if the space is filled by another paying student.
  • No show = no refund.
If the workshop is canceled by the instructor, you will receive a full refund. If another instructor must be substituted for Linda Womack due to illness or emergency you will have the option to attend the class with the substitute instructor or cancel/reschedule without penalty.

By purchasing this class you agree to hold Linda Womack free from any liability in the event of accident or injury to yourself or your personal belongings during any classes.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.