Encaustic Workshop with Sara Wickenden

Would you like to learn how to paint with wax? If so why not take an encaustic workshop? You can learn ways of incorporating wax into your mixed media artwork.

How I can help you with an encaustic workshop?

I can teach various techniques ranging from one-to-one intensive tuition through to group sessions. In addition I can develop tailor made workshops according to your needs. Whether you are a group of beginners or a practiced artist I can teach you how to work with wax. If you want to learn more I am happy to travel to your location with the appropriate equipment and materials. Please feel free to contact me through this site.

Workshop at the National Maritime Museum

In 2016n had the immense privilege of developing and leading encaustic workshops at the National Maritime Museum in London.

Portrait of a Large Dog, by George Stubbs
Portrait of a Large Dog, by George Stubbs

The museum had acquired two works by George Stubbs, Portrait of a Large Dog (above) and The Kongouro from New Holland (below). These paintings were commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks who explored Australia with Captain James Cook. The artworks are the first depictions of the Dingo and the Kangaroo painted by a European artist.

The Kongouro from New Holland, by George Stubbs
The Kongouro from New Holland, by George Stubbs

Painters in this era usually used oils. However the museum’s analysis had unexpectedly revealed that both these artworks were painted with beeswax. It seems that Stubbs had studied the writings of the Roman scholar, Pliny the Elder, describing this technique. He had then experimented with basic encaustic techniques in his work. Following their discovery the museum invited me to view the paintings in 2016 and advise an intern recreating the Dingo. I subsequently developed and led two encaustic workshops based on Stubbs’ paintings.

Encaustic Workshop at the National Maritime Museum
Encaustic Workshop at the National Maritime Museum

It was a huge pleasure to teach these workshops during the summer of 2016. Using hotplates and hot air guns along with wax paints and pastels the students showed great creativity and enthusiasm. Attended by a mix of students this was a rewarding challenge from which I also learnt much.

Students enjoying an Encaustic Workshop at the National Maritime Museum
Students enjoying an Encaustic Workshop at the National Maritime Museum