* photos by Alyssa Henry Photography
Fall 2020
Workshops are currently on hold due to the pandemic and my move to Eureka, CA
Once I am set up with a new studio space and see how the pandemic lingers, I'll decide on further workshops.
Once I am set up with a new studio space and see how the pandemic lingers, I'll decide on further workshops.
Intro to Encaustic | One Day Workshops
Future one day workshops on hold with my upcoming move.
My workshops are designed to give you a strong foundation in both handling encaustic paint, and fusing, as encaustic painting is a two step process. You are encouraged to use a limited number of colors and follow your creative voice while you learn to paint in encaustic. I believe in encouraging exploration as you learn to work with the materials, rather than instructing in painting a specific subject. Encaustic painting is challenging and exciting, being able to embrace the unexpected is important when learning to paint with molten wax.
About my Encaustic Workshops
One Day Intro
Overview of encaustic painting terms and materials
Encaustic studio set up and safety
Painting with molten wax, making smooth and textured surfaces and layering paint
Fusing-use of heat gun in encaustic painting
Introduction to toner image transfers
Mark making, use of oil pastels, artist wax crayons, deco foil and saral transfer paper
Class syllabus with encaustic terms, artists & material resources
Care of encaustic artwork
The workshops are both demonstration and hands-on
You will paint on 1-2 10"x10" paintings during a class day
A full in-studio workshop is 3 students, this ensures access to supplies and instructor 1:1 support
Some painting experience suggested but not required
Two Day Intensive
Two consecutive days in the studio, in addition to the content of the Intro workshop, you will master
fusing and making smooth surfaces.
Intro to layering in paint with intent to scrape and reveal
Incising and carving
Texture making, drawing on the surface, color inlay (intarsia)
Discussion of collage and encaustic
With more time in the studio, you will be able to make more layers in your work and build
depth and try more techniques. I individualize as much as possible and help you try other techniques you
are interested in.
The workshop is a combination of individual working time and instructor demonstrations.
One Day Intro
Overview of encaustic painting terms and materials
Encaustic studio set up and safety
Painting with molten wax, making smooth and textured surfaces and layering paint
Fusing-use of heat gun in encaustic painting
Introduction to toner image transfers
Mark making, use of oil pastels, artist wax crayons, deco foil and saral transfer paper
Class syllabus with encaustic terms, artists & material resources
Care of encaustic artwork
The workshops are both demonstration and hands-on
You will paint on 1-2 10"x10" paintings during a class day
A full in-studio workshop is 3 students, this ensures access to supplies and instructor 1:1 support
Some painting experience suggested but not required
Two Day Intensive
Two consecutive days in the studio, in addition to the content of the Intro workshop, you will master
fusing and making smooth surfaces.
Intro to layering in paint with intent to scrape and reveal
Incising and carving
Texture making, drawing on the surface, color inlay (intarsia)
Discussion of collage and encaustic
With more time in the studio, you will be able to make more layers in your work and build
depth and try more techniques. I individualize as much as possible and help you try other techniques you
are interested in.
The workshop is a combination of individual working time and instructor demonstrations.
Custom Workshops
Custom Workshops are not available at this time.
One on One Studio Sessions
Contact me for availability. $50 hour, 3 hour minimum.
Custom Workshops are not available at this time.
One on One Studio Sessions
Contact me for availability. $50 hour, 3 hour minimum.
Sign up for my studio newsletter. Get personal notice of workshops and other events right to your inbox.
Occasionally I send out discount codes for workshops too!
Occasionally I send out discount codes for workshops too!

From my students:
"I feel equipped to try this on my own. Excellent job explaining medium, technique, creative ideas and resources. So excited to go home and try this on my own! You gave enough important info and plenty of time to use the skills we learned-so encouraging!"
Kelli C, Sheridan, WY
"I love Darla's work, but she really EXCELS at teaching too. Very thorough instruction. Very good about explaining and then allowing students to explore."
Kris L, Helena, MT
"Thanks again...I learned so much! It was a great class - plenty of time to learn and play! I hope to continue learning encaustic! And I will definitely tell others about your workshops! Thank you!"
Jamie V, Bozeman, MT
"While I do not consider myself an artist, I found encouragement from Darla and discovered that Encaustic is a forgiving medium. The art is almost more about discovering what is inside rather than producing exactly what you imagined. I am curious to learn more, and grateful for Darla's experience and heart to teach!"
Shannon Maria Miller, Bozeman, MT
"Wicked fun", anonymous
"I thoroughly enjoyed my encaustic class with Darla. It was fun, challenging and interesting. Darla offered an intimate, entertaining and inviting space for me to explore my creativity. Her support and encouragement were appreciated as we learned how to create our own work of art! Highly recommended to anyone
who's looking for a fun, challenging and creative opportunity to explore this medium."
Ken S, Bozeman, MT
Need more information?