» view Calendar  of classes, workshops, shows and openings

I have been teaching encaustic since 2002, and leading creative workshops (mostly collage) for over 20 years. I like to teach encaustic almost as much as using it!  This is because it lends itself to experimentation, which allows for a sense of freedom and play in the classroom. I sometimes offer on-going class (6-8 weeks), five-day or one/two day workshops.  No previous artistic experience is needed for any of my beginner classes/workshops.  Some experience is needed for my advanced workshop.

The on-going encaustic class provides in-depth opportunities to try many techniques: gouging, layering, collage, ironing, photocopy transfer, gold/copper/aluminum leaf, oil sticks, carbon/graphite paper transfers and more.

The encaustic workshops are really an introduction to encaustic, with focus being on learning basic fusing techniques, safety issues, and some time to explore collage and layering. They are usually one day from mid morning to late afternoon, or an evening and the following day.  The five-day workshops are a way for students to get deeply involved over a longer period of time.

The new encaustic advanced 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.  The focus will be on tips/techniques learned/taught at the 3rd Annual Encaustic Conference in Beverly, Mass. in the spring of '09.  I will also teach other techniques, like putting gold/silver/copper leaf in the wax, graphite transfers, and more.

My classes/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 some 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 all workshops/classes, Andrea brings the supplies needed. 

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

SEE CANCELLATION POLICY BELOW.

Testimonials from Students...

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend.  You are an excellent teacher!"  Heather, Southampton Art School, Sept. 09

"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

"Thank you Andrea - for opening my creativity and filling the well!"  Suzette, St. Thomas Artists' Guild, April 08

"I felt comfortable, Andrea's teaching style is very one on one."  Susan, St. Thomas Artists' Guild, March 09

"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

*FULL* Wellington County Museum & Archives, Between Elora and Fergus, ON       

Five-day Encaustic Workshop, July 19 - 23, '10 (Open to all skill levels.) 

Time: 9 a.m. til 4 p.m. each day 

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES TO BRING:  collage elements, quick start blow torch, favourite oil colours.

This workshop in beautiful Fergus/Elora area, known for it's gorge on the Grand River... will focus on tips and techniques that Andrea taught at the recent 4th Annual Encaustic Conference - looking at various ironing techniques (and other neat things she picked up while there) as well as using the blow torch and heat gun to create wonderful surface textures.  Collage, photo transfer (colour and black and white), gouging, painting on the surface and many more fun techniques will be demonstrated, with lots of time to try things out and PLAY!  Class size is limited to 12, so sign up early if you are interested.

To register: Call 519-846-0916 x-221  -  info@wcm.on.ca or www.wcm.on.ca  for more info.

*FULL* The Southampton School of Art, Southampton ON

Five-day Encaustic Workshop, August 9 -13, '10 (Open to all skill levels.)

Time: 9 a.m. til 4 p.m. each day

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES TO BRING:  collage elements, quick start blow torch, favourite oil colours.

This workshop in beautiful Southampton, known for it's beaches right on Lake Huron... will focus on tips and techniques that Andrea taught at the recent 4th Annual Encaustic Conference - looking at various ironing techniques (and other neat things she picked up while there) as well as using the blow torch and heat gun to create wonderful surface textures.  Collage, photo transfer (colour and black and white), gouging, painting on the surface and many more fun techniques will be demonstrated, with lots of time to try things out and PLAY!  Class size is limited to 8, so sign up early if you are interested.

To register: Contact Sharon Barfoot at 1-800-806-8838 or 519-797-5068 - or info@theartschool.org or www.theartschool.org for more info.

NEW!! Workshops and Classes at 'the hive'!  Andrea & Daniels new encaustic school/studio/gallery in Alton - www.altonmill.ca

Starting mid-September, on-going beginner, advanced & new territory workshops, 5-week evening classes, and open studio days...

Time for all workshops (beginner, advanced, new territory): 10a.m. - 4 p.m.

Here are the dates for Weekend Workshops: 

September 18 - 19th: Workshops - Beginner + Advanced Workshops $180 each or both for $320

September 25th: Opening Celebration! From noon til 5pm all are welcome to drop by and have a nibbly, and check out the new space!

September 26th: Give it a whirl! The space will be set up and those interested can give it a try - (there will be a donation jar for supplies:)  Andrea will be giving demonstrations every half hour, so come out and try it... max. of 20 min. is the time allotment so that others can also have a chance.  Starting at 11a.m. and going until 2p.m. 

October 9 - 10th: Workshops - Beginner + Advanced Workshops $180 each or both for $320

October 23rd: New Territory Workshop (for those with more experience): $180

October 24th: Give it a whirl! (see above)

Oct. 30 - 31st: Open Studio (see above)

Nov. 13 - 14th: Workshops - Beginner + Advanced Workshops $180 each or both for $320

Nov. 27 - 28th: Open Studio (see above)

Dec. 11th: New Territory Workshop (see above)

Dec. 12th: Give it a whirl! (see above)

Evening Classes:

Starting Wednesday, September 29th and runs for five weeks (to Oct. 27) from 6 - 9 p.m.

$320

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

All supplies provided, except for Open Studio (students bring their own substrates to work on, wax in pots, brushes and oil paints - some supplies available from the hive - e.g. medium, boards, brushes etc. at an additional cost). 

Visa/MC available.  All prices include taxes. 

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel 10 days or more before the beginning of the class/workshop, then a $40 administration fee will be charged, and the rest of your money refunded.  If cancelling within 10 days or less, there is no refund. 

 Upcoming Classes/Workshops for 2010

Possibilities keep on cropping up.... so keep checking back or drop Andrea an email if you'd like to see a workshop in your area, or want to know details about the ones listed above.