» view Calendar  of classes, workshops, shows and openings

I have been teaching encaustic since 2002, and leading creative workshops for over 20 years.  I love teaching this medium because it lends itself to experimentation, which allows for a sense of freedom and play in the classroom. Recently, we have two new teachers in 'the hive': Tania Wycherley (www.taniawycherley.com) and Daniel Beirne (www.danielbeirne.ca)!  Both are enthusiastic, experienced and talented encaustic artists - having gone through a teacher training program with me. We offer on-going five-day, one or two day workshops, and recently added a half-day introduction.  No previous artistic experience is needed for any of my Encaustic 1 or Half-day Workshops.  Experience is needed for my Encaustic 2, 3, 4 workshops, and for Open Studios.  Most of my teaching takes place at our new encaustic school: 'the hive' in the Alton Mill, near Orangeville, ON,.  www.altonmill.ca

NOTE: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL WORKSHOPS/CLASSES/OPEN STUDIOS! 

Dates listed may change, so please check first, via email or phone.

The Alton Mill Creative Centre is a wonderful place to come and visit, with over 30 artists, galleries, and a fresh food bakery and cafe on site.  Walking trails through the woods make this a fantastic getaway.

Pictured Above: the Southampton School of Art on Lake Huron, Summer 2009

Encaustic 1:  Introduction to the medium, brief history, safety concerns, the use of the heat gun, blow torch and iron as fusing tools, mixing colours, basic layering, creating smooth/textured surfaces, incorporating collage, photo transfer, gouging and filling gouges with medium and oil paint.

Encaustic 2:  working with glazes of colour to increase transparencies, ironing techniques explored, working on boards covered with encaustic gesso, transfer papers (carbon, graphite, etc), masking off areas, gold/silver/copper leaf, stencils, water on wax, and making your own medium.

Encaustic 3: intense vs. subtle colour layering, india ink on transparent papers, tips for difficult collage items, transferring colour photocopies, scraping at layers, metallic powders, ironing things in/out of wax, iron as a gouging tool, and pastel usage.

Encaustic 4:  exploring various surfaces: drywall compound on wood, plexi-glass, rusted metal, colour theory, advanced glazing methods, working with 3-D collage items, using oil sticks, water-soluble wax crayons and carving out straight lines. 

Encaustic 2, 3. 4 workshops are intended for those who have a) taken encaustic workshops/classes with me/someone else in the past and/or b) those who have been experimenting with encaustic on their own.  It is important that the student have experience with all three fusing tools: the iron, heat gun and blow torch.  The focus of each builds on the one before, with new techniques being added, increasing in complexity. 

NEW! Half-day Introduction to Encaustic Workshops give students a chance to try it out over a three and a half hour period.  Basic layering, introduction to the fusing tools (iron, heat gun and blow torch) as well as photo transfer and collage will be demonstrated. Can be morning or afternoon.

NEW! Adult & Child Workshops provide an opportunity for a parent to attend and take part in the class with their child... overseeing their progress in the workshop.  Tools provided are heat gun and iron only.  We will be working on matt board, by the end of the workshop creating several beautiful greeting cards +/or small paintings to take home.   Minimum age for child: 7 years.

My workshops are self-directed, which means that I don't teach people to paint in a particular way, but rather support each student to explore their own creativity. There is sharing within the class, as students inspire each other to try new things. Encaustic is a uniquely spontaneous medium, and working with wax helps one to let go of "attachment to outcome". Students are encouraged to take risks, let go of preconceived ideas, and most of all, to have fun exploring this versatile medium.

For workshops/classes, Andrea brings the supplies needed - exception: Open Studio (bring your own boards to work on) 

Optional supplies to bring to workshops: collage items (paper/fabric/high contrast photocopies made with toner, etc.)

IF CLASSES ARE FULL BUT YOU ARE INTERESTED, ANDREA WILL ADD YOUR NAME TO THE WAITING LIST... Call: 519-323-3437

SEE CANCELLATION POLICY BELOW.  

YOU ARE INVITED TO... 

Drop by 'the hive' in Alton, our wonderful Encaustic School!

On-going workshops, open studio times, chances to 'give it a whirl' and more...

See schedule below.  *NOTE: we are usually at the hive on weekends (noon til 5pm), and by chance through the week.   Please call to arrange an appointment or to find out if we will be there ... 519-323-3437.

www.altonmill.ca

A few words from students...

"Andrea's teaching style really encourages experimenting and risk-taking.  It opens up a creative channel because you are not afraid to make mistakes.  Such a great, creative exploration - thanks so much!"  Penny, from 'the hive' February 2012

"...thank you for a wonderful learning weekend.  I had a great time and you are a terrific teacher.  I will be busy in my studio this week applying what I learned - can't wait to get started."  Elsie Campbell, after Encaustic 1 & 2 at 'the hive' in Alton June 2011

"Andrea is an excellent teacher.  She demonstrates each step and method slowly, in a logical fashion, and yet she's having fun with it.  It's clear that she loves what she's doing.  As you watch her, you just can't wait to try it yourself."  Leslie Newumann, Annual Encaustic Conference, Beverly, Mass. USA June 2010

"The most organized and giving instructor that I have ever had at the Art School."  Sandra, Southampton Art School, Sept. 09

"...very relaxed and fun class, Andrea's organization was great and very thought out..."   Wendy, St. Thomas Artists' Guild, April 08

"Students felt free to ask any questions, Andrea's style was precise and very comfortable... this was the most interesting workshop I've taken in a long time."   Beth, St. Thomas Artists' Guild, April 08

"You have introduced me to a new passion!  I love this medium and can't wait to do more.  Thanks for a great day!!"  Roberta, The Colour Jar, Durham, March 09

Prices* for Workshops @ 'the hive'! 

PLEASE ADD HST TO ALL PRICES.

Give it a whirl! The space will be set up and those interested can give it a try -  Andrea will be giving demonstrations and then you'll have a chance to try it for about 30 minutes.   Times listed with dates. Cost is $10 per person for supplies.

Open Studio: only for those who have taken an Encaustic 1 or Half-day Introduction workshop with me. Sign up for three and/or six hours of studio time.  No teaching/facilitation.  Bring your own substrates/collage. The hive will provide pots/brushes/griddles/blow torch/heat gun/iron/collage items/community!  Cost is $45 for three hours (half day), $70 for whole day. Times: 10:30am - 1:30pm +/or 1:30-4:30pm. (All day is 10:30am-4:30pm with breaks as needed.)

Workshops: these run all day from 10am til 4pm with a lunch break of 45 min.  Cost for one day workshop is $190 (incl. taxes/all supplies.) or $350 for two workshops/people.

Adult & Child Workshop: This takes place in an evening/half-day, and is $90 for one adult and one child for the 2 hours.

Half-Day Introduction to Encaustic: New! Now available for those who would like to try it out, but cannot make it to a full day workshop... from 9am - 12:30pm OR 1pm - 4:30pm. Check times carefully on schedule.  Cost:$125 or two for $230 ($115 each).

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL WORKSHOPS

(ONLY EXCEPTION: GIVE IT A WHIRL!)

SCHEDULE

Note: all workshops take place at the hive in the Alton Mill, near Orangeville,  unless otherwise stated...www.altonmill.ca

To register: call Andrea at 519-323-3437 or email her at andreabird@sympatico.ca