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Wax Week: Textured Landscapes

August 2 - 6, 2017, Wed-Sun, 10 - 4 pm, $850 (3 spots left)
A few one day passes are available, $200
Location: Portland, Oregon

Can't make it here for 5 days? View one day pass options for individual classes:

W, 8/2: Beautiful Backgrounds with Textured Gesso (3 spots left)
Th, 8/3: Secrets of Creating Depth (SOLD OUT)
F, 8/4: Mixing Media (2 spots left)
S, 8/5: Photo Transfers (2 spots left)
Su, 8/6: Open Studio (2 spots left)

One of the most exciting things about working with encaustic are the unusual textures you can add to your paintings. This 5-day intensive workshop combines some of my most popular classes with some brand new techniques that will keep you creating new work for years to come. In this class we'll focus on creating Textured Landscapes using encaustic with a wide variety of materials including textured gesso, watercolor, pigment sticks, and photo transfers. We'll use whatever media we need to create your vision, and working in small groups in my studio makes that possible.

Students will be asked to bring a couple of reference photos for inspiration, just to give you a starting point. Realism isn't our goal, it's more to convey a sense of place.

All of my Wax Week workshops are easily accessible for someone with little or no experience in working with encaustic, but will also offer rich, personalized instruction for those who have more experience. I keep my class sizes very small, a maximum of 6 students, so everyone can learn at their own pace. This allows me to help introduce beginners to this new medium and still challenge more experienced artists with advanced tips and techniques.

By taking all 5 days students save 15% off the full price of the individual classes. If you need to split the class fee into more than one payment, use the deposit option below to save your spot.

Most supplies will be provided including gesso, encaustic medium, encaustic paint, brushes, watercolor, pigment sticks, small panels, and basic encaustic tools. Students will be asked to bring 2 panels of your choice, no larger than about 12 x 12. You will will receive detailed information on these as well as a list of optional items upon registration. Space is limited to 6 students and classes tend to fill very quickly.

Hotels and Transportation

Traveling to join us? If you're not from Portland, here's a list of hotels, transportation options and sightseeing.

Here's What We'll Cover:

Beautiful Backgrounds with Textured Gesso
Secrets of Creating Depth
Mixing Media with Watercolor and Pigment Sticks
Photo Transfers
Taking Your Paintings from Start to Finish
Open Studio/Personal Projects

Textured Gesso
Wednesday, August 2

We'll explore my favorite way to add texture to paintings using landscapes as our inspiration. We'll start with gesso that's thick enough to add texture using unusual tools and fresh plants for a rustic and weathered look, as well as flinging your favorite inks and paints to get a spontaneous start! Painting and sanding between layers gives this a unique look, impossible to achieve with wax alone.

Secrets of Creating Depth/Texture with Wax
Thursday, August 3

There are some tried and true methods to creating depth in your paintings and that depth allows light to enter the layers of paint and reflect back to the surface, creating that luminous glow. We'll talk about the importance of paint types, layering "recipes" and my favorite ways to trick the eye into perceiving more layers than there really are. I'll also show you how to add texture with encaustic wax, using the equivalent of a dry brush technique that will allow you to break (or at least bend) the "fuse every layer" rule.

Mixing Media with Watercolor and Pigment Sticks
Friday, August 4

I'll teach you how I layer watercolor and pigment sticks in most of my encaustic paintings using traditional and non-traditional tools. Through guided exercises we'll push your paintings in new directions as you discover new additions to your visual vocabulary. Come with an open mind and ready to make experimental work in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. If you haven't worked with encaustic before I'll get you up to speed on the basics quickly so you can start experimenting right away!

Photo Transfers
Saturday, August 5

Transferring images onto wax gives crisp magical look or a beautifully rustic effect depending on which method you use. Bring your favorite images in various sizes and I'll help you copy them onto the appropriate paper for each type of transfer. With some practice you can even overlap several transfers between layers of wax while painting in between them. We'll use a torch to fuse these so if you're not familiar with using one you'll learn that too.

Personal Projects
Sunday, August 6

This is where it all comes together and you can combine all the techniques introduced during the week to create work unique to your vision. We'll start off the day with a short presentation on Taking Your Paintings from Start to Finish (finishing, framing, signing and shipping your work), then you'll work on whatever projects you prefer. Consider this a directed open studio, where I'll work with each of you individually to answer questions you might have about techniques we've covered, how to set up your studio at home, etc. Use this time to complete projects from earlier in the week or start new ones to continue after you return home full of new ideas!

How To Register

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.

Preference will be given to students who take the full week of classes. By taking all 5 days students will save almost 15% off the full price of the classes.

Can't make it to all 5 days? No problem! Use the menu below to purchase individual classes:

If you have trouble registering online please contact me at (503) 348-9139 or waxx@ lindarobertsonarts.com. Classes must be paid for in full by cash, check or credit card prior to the start date of the class. When your payment is received you will be emailed a confirmation notice, additional information about the classes and a map to my studio in NE Portland.

Here's why you should come visit me in Portland!

Cancellation and Liability Policies

Cancellation at least 60 days before the class date = full refund minus $100 cancellation fee or you may change to another class.
Cancellation less than 60 days before the class date = full refund minus a $150 cancellation fee only if the space is filled by another paying student.
No show = no refund.
By registering for this class you agree to assume all responsibility for non-refundable expenses including but not limited to travel and lodging. Travel insurance is encouraged.

If the workshop is canceled by the instructor, you will receive a full refund. If another instructor must be substituted for Linda Robertson due to illness or emergency you will have the option to attend the class with the substitute instructor or cancel/reschedule without penalty.

Should any injuries occur during or as a result of participation in any class or workshop, the registered student agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Linda Robertson and all employees, instructors and volunteers connected with Linda Robertson Arts.