#encaustic workshop

I can't explain to you how shaken up I was when I turned in my first art history paper only to be told by my professor that I was the worst writer he's ever read. Little did I know that that being a professional artist and a good writer go hand in hand...

Image: Cy Twombly, Untitled (Murder of Olofernes), 1964, graphite, colored pencil, wax crayon and ballpoint pen on paper, 27×39 If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I was a late bloomer, attending graduate school at the ripe old age of 34. Prior to that time, I hadn’t had a traditional art school education, I attended design school. It was a fine school for what it was,…

Since 2001 I have been combining encaustic and fiber in my work. In fact, I actually initiated the practice! With an emphasis on mixed-media, this workshop is created to address the interests of artists working in fiber and fiber related interests.

Since 2001 I have been combining encaustic and fiber or fiber related techniques in my work. In fact, I actually initiated the practice of combining these two highly compatible and versatile mediums. The techniques I used in my work at that time and continue to use are all self taught and/or innovated by me. I continue to experiment, mix it all up and encourage exploration and a ‘just go for it’…

Saturday, the talented Karen McCauley, artist and teacher at the Coppini Academy, brought her group over to the studio for three hours of encaustic  collage exploration. Here are some of the details of their work – notice the depth and texture that the beeswax layers produce. (Remember, if you can’t see the photo gallery, click on the top of this post to take you to the original site)

Lots of people ask me about the foil that produces those fine gold lines – encaustic artists call it “Book Foil.” I learned about it from Michelle Belto. You can order it under other names, including this one from Amazon. Just remember, it takes a few layers of wax to make it stick to the surface of your work.

      On Sunday, I taught an acrylic painting workshop inspired by some of the techniques I learned with Jane Davies at our Big Fat Art Weekend – line, shape, texture pattern, layering (thanks, Jane!).

This was not an easy workshop to grasp, particularly for beginning painters who had just three hours to practice the process. but they did it! The abstract acrylic studies they produced are beautifully symbolic and richly constructed over layers of marks and color history. Take a look!

I am convinced that there is some sort of magic synergy that takes place at the Studio when a group gathers for a three-hour workshop. The students never fail to amaze me – and themselves – with their insightful artwork. They help make Lyn Belisle Studio a true place of creative belonging, and, dang, am I grateful! Good work, everyone – what a winner of a weekend!