After weeks of eager preparation, I finally held my two-day workshop on painting with oil and cold wax. With so much material to get to, we made our introductions brief and quickly got to work. For two days, six students studiously worked away in the cozy Tolle Fine Art studio space located in downtown Northfield, MN.
In the days leading up to the workshop, I had prepped the oil paper with bright acrylic paint. This helped my students experience the layering effect from their mark-making tools, not just from their brushes. I began the class with a lengthy demonstration on how to mix the cold wax medium into their oil paint. They were immediately excited to get exploring. Later, I brought out the bubble wrap, and they loved that, too!
Inspired by these new painting techniques, we hurriedly ate our packed lunches. No time for going out at a time like this. At the end of the first day, I issued some homework. I asked my students to find something “different” from around their house. One that I had never used before was sandpaper. Marsha masterfully collaged this into her painting. Great look.
On the second day, I taught them how to use a limited palette of colors. I showed them that they can dull their colors without using black or a white, an important concept and skill that will elevate their future paintings.
The multitude of ideas shared within this group expanded their perspectives on their individual paintings and on their approach to art in general. My students became comfortable thinking beyond the parameters that had previously stifled their creativity. I think they left the class with many new ideas and new tools (literally) to keep them excited and optimistic about their painting.
More opportunities to learn about oil and cold wax are available in the coming months. Check out my class over at FiftyNorth in Northfield and my 8-day summer class at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, MN. There are still a few spots remaining.
Sign up for the class at FiftyNorth – Tuesday May 14, 2024 @ 1:00 – 3:00pm
Sign up for the workshop at Paradise Center for the Arts – Tuesdays and Thursdays 2024: June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 @ 10:00am – 11:30am
