Description
COVID-19 UPDATE: I am not currently publicising my art retreat weeks, or in person workshops due to the uncertainty around this virus.
I am happy to help with information, and open to discussions around whether these art events take place or not… it is a constantly evolving situation, and decisions will only be able to be taken nearer the time. In the meantime, I have a full suite of online courses and a new encaustic membership available to join… All your encaustic questions can still be answered…
But do read on… and whet your appetite for when this madness is over….!
Who is this retreat week for?
This course is for creatives new to dammar based encaustics.
Dammar based encaustic works at a higher heat than non dammar encaustic wax methods, and has additional health and safety considerations you must be aware of.
You can add your own colours, and dammar based encaustic is strong enough to build up in multiple layers. This is what we will be covering during this VIP week.
This week is perfect for people new to this technique of painting. You will fully understand the differences, and leave with a really good understanding of this medium.
Day 1: 9/10am – 4pm
Arrive at studio from 9am, we will start the week with tea, coffee and pastries, welcome, take a look around the studio and get to know each other a little better.
From 10am onwards, we will start properly, and look at:
– A brief background and history of Encaustic Wax Art
– An outline of the week and how it will run.
– Different supports to work on
– Different types of Waxes and Mediums
– Pigments and methods to colour the wax
– Introduction to the Basics and Health & Safety
– Demonstration of basics, and versatility of wax
– You will learn to fuse layers of wax, and get a smooth versus a textured surface.
– You put the techniques shown into practice and create a selection of test pieces, with notes to act as an aide memoir.
– Prepare a wooden board (8″ x 10″) ready for use on day two.
Day 2: 10am – 4pm
– Practice more ways of colouring, embellishing, layering and scratching into the wax, continuing on with techniques and using your prepared board from day one.
Day 3: Free Morning to digest everything so far and explore some of the local area.
Optional brunch in the historic market town of Berkhamsted at 11.30am and time to explore my local art supply store, Berkhamsted Arts and Crafts shop. A family run shop, stacked full of knowledgeable staff, and art supplies which work with encaustic beautifully… Your mind will be brimming with ideas by now, so here’s your chance to pick up additional embellishments, papers, stencils, etc. I always find something of interest, which sparks new project ideas off when I’m in here!
We will then head back to the studio for by 1.30pm, ready for a 2pm – 6pm studio session, with the option to stay on until 8pm, untutored if you wish. I will be there, but not actively teaching during this time.
Day 4: 10am – 4pm
Free working in the studio day… Consolidate all that you’ve learnt, test out different techniques, work out your favourite methods. Create your own pieces. Get my help and utilise my suppliers, to order and obtain supplies for use back in your home studio.
Day 5: Excursion Day… Fun Day Friday…!
At 9.30am we will take a taxi to London and head to The British Museum, to take in the splendour of this historic building and see some of the Fayum Mummy panels on display there, there will be some free time to explore the building, before we move onto visit Cornelissen & Son, an old fashioned art supply store, a few doors down the road, with old fashioned drawers and cupboards crammed full of pigments, it is sumptuous, and an experience not to be missed!
From there, after a quick bite of lunch, we will take the short trip to The Petrie Museum, which will provide a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the British Museum, a quiet peaceful space, where we will be welcomed, learn a little more about the museum, and view the Fayum Panels, and treasure trove of Egyptian artefacts on display there.
From here, once we’ve gathered our thoughts, it’s a taxi back home, or stay on in London for the evening if you wish. (at your own expense!)
We will be right in the heart of London, close to theatres, Chinatown, Covent Garden and Embankment, so plenty of choice available if your feet are up to it… just bring comfy shoes!
Day 6: 10am – 4pm
Last day at the studio. Finish off pieces, pack up work ready to go home, sit, journal, reflect and enjoy the last few moments before heading back home.
I will also arrange free access to my R&F Online Course for you to refer back to should you wish.
Maximum of four students, based in my studio in Sarratt.
Recommended for people who are new to wax and dammar resin, and anyone inspired by new art techniques.
Included in the price:
- All basic encaustic materials, mount board and tools, including one 8′ x 10″ wooden support. (Additional supports for finished pieces can be bought from the studio during the week.)
- Brunch on day three.
- Lunch in London on day five, and return Taxi. If you wish to stay on in London travel back later is at your own expense.
- Tea, coffee, biscuits and pastries throughout the week.
Additional Encaustic Wax materials are available to purchase directly from my studio, or we can order in any supplies you think you might want.
Any supplies bought from the art shops we visit are at your own expense.
Lunch on the remaining days is not included, catering for individual dietary needs at the studio isn’t possible, so either bring a packed lunch, or there is a local shop which normally has a good selection of sandwiches a short drive away, or a cafe we can telephone an order through to.
Please note, I may switch the days around if I am aware of any travel issues, planned delays etc. although the core content of the week will remain the same.
My aim is to structure this week as an opportunity for like-minded artists to come together, with plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, leverage from my experience and knowledge, but also to take time for yourself, and to explore in your own style using the techniques shown.
This is where my joy lies, and why I love doing what I do… I love to share this time with people. Here is a blog I did a few years ago about how I came to be doing what I do… the quiet sound of creativity...
Still not sure…?
Check out the testimonials from people who have been on my courses in previous years.
Here are a couple from my most recent courses this year:
“Just to let you know I loved spending time with you in your studio, very relaxing, inspirational and informative… And nice to know I’m not likely to blow myself up with damar medium!”
“It really is great to learn about encaustic… really enjoyed it… Thank you for another wonderful day… it was great fun…”
“I really like your teaching style. Lots of information, delivered in a relaxing way, but with scope to put my own twist on it.”
I want you to get the most out of your time in my studio. For me, it’s not about bombarding you with constant information… I believe it’s important to consolidate what you’ve learnt, so when you need to just go and sit quietly outside, or wander the local footpaths, you will have that space to do that. It’s your time to escape, listen to the inner you and encapsulate that in wax!
If you need any help with where to stay etc… There are countless pubs, hostelries and hotels nearby, ranging from very affordable through to 5 Star options. I also have a lovely travel consultant who will be happy to help you with flights, accommodation, taxis, local area, etc. if required.
If you have any questions that I’ve not covered here, please do get in touch.
In summary:
This is a Six-day VIP week using beeswax, dammar resin and mixed media.
Monday 11th – Saturday 16th May 2020. £1,080.
There is a Payment Plan available if needed. Total cost for payment plan option = £1,200.
£600 deposit to reserve your space can be booked online above, with the final payment to be received no later than 30th April 2020.
After booking, I will contact you via e-mail to arrange the remaining payment schedule, which can be made by BACS, Paypal, Cheque or Cash.
I have done a series of Facebook Lives, which cover what we will do day by day. I have linked them up onto a blog here. *Please note, the guest tutors mentioned on this blog on day two and day four are not a part of this beginners week.*
If you have any questions that I’ve not covered here, please do get in touch, e-mail me at: julie@artyheaven.com
