• Student Testimonials

    Student Testimonials

    Encaustic Exploration with Jenny Learner


    Week 1: Intro.....Encaustic 101
    1:00 Informal discussion and intros: A bit of Encaustic outline in
    history, safety measures, tools, materials, and demo multiple fusing
    methods.
    Substrates and preparing your work surface.
      Difference between working on hard surface, light weight board,
    wood, verses paper.
    Demonstration of encaustic techniques, painting lines, imprinting,
    line and fill.
    1:45 Individual work time
    4:00 Clean up
    Homework: Find an encaustic technique you would like to emulate or
    duplicate for learning purpose.

    Week 2: Transfer
    1:00  Review, discuss following week, and show work.
    Demonstration of transfer techniques, metal foil, photo underlay,
    transfer paper, graphite, and pastel drawings. 
    1:45  Individual work time
    4:00  Clean up 
    Homework: optional, find an old book for your substrate for starting your collage. Old book covers are a great surface and they stand up.
    Glue inkjet heavyweight mat paper- plain, printed image or photo on small hardboards (6” x 6” or 5” x 7”). Sobo glue or spray mount works best. This is for upcoming classes.

    Week 3: Collage and Assemblage
    1:00    Review, discuss following week, and show work.
      Demo ironing imagery, multiple tissue papers, incorporating wood
    veneers, pressed leaves and flowers, embellishments, embedding
    objects, etc.
    Students have access to try multiple irons, embossing, heat  
    1:30 Individual work time.
    4:00 Clean up
    Homework: Check out local galleries that represent artists working in encaustic medium. In person or online.




    Week 4: Encaustic and Monotype on paper and cardboard
    1:00  Review, discuss following week. Demonstrations include printmaking
              techniques including, mono-printing, dipping, mark making with
              Catalyst tools on multiple papers and mat board which I provide. I 
              will also demo on glass  and ceramic tiles. I have Paula Roland
    “Hot Boxes” for students to use.
    1:30 Individual work time
    4:00 Clean up
    Homework: Watch a few encaustic demos on Utube. (Enkaustikos) http://www.fineartstore.com/
     
    Week 5: Encaustic and Photography
    1:00  Review, discuss following week. Demos of painting on photography
    with molten beeswax. White and yellow beeswax. Texture with
    pigments or smoothPhotography in a
    wax bath. And photo ironed on to tile and mirror.
    1:30. Work time
    4:00 Clean up

    This is an ongoing class every week. Some students are starting on different dates and levels of experience, and I work individually with my regular students after I demo for new students. No experience necessary for this class.

    Dates: Wednesdays starting December 10th

    12:30 PM and ongoing for fall and winter 2025

    Five sessions: 1-4pm
    Cost: $300.00

    Handicap accessible with front ground level door.
    You can view and borrow books from my library.
    Class limited to 5 students

    Bloomingdale Arts Building
    Jenny Learner C3
    2418 West Bloomingdale Avenue
    773-936-3645

    Student SUPPLY LIST

    Required: 6-8  wood or fiber substrates (6x6, 8x10,) – or any non-warping, rigid, absorbent material, lumber scraps ok, heavy watercolor paper, bisque tiles, etc. No surface larger than 12 “ x 12” for first two sessions during the learning process you do not need fancy surfaces. I demo on heavyweight cardboard, cradled birch, and foamcore to keep the cost down.
    Encaustic paint: One or two colors of encaustic paints.
    1lb beeswax (white refined or natural yellow prills). 
    You will need this for the 2nd class. I share beeswax on first day.
    Brushes: a couple small and medium bristle, can be cheap bristle ones from your paint or hardware store. 
    One hake brush (soft goat hair layering), 3-5inch for base coats. My favorite is Mandalay from Jerry’s Artarama. Sharpie your initials on your brushes.
    Containers for your encaustic paint:1 bread baking pan for melting your beeswax, and a couple small mini bread pans for melting your paint.

    Optional: Bring an old painting or drawing for week three to rework under 10" x 10" any medium. Tape, scissors, wax paper, non-stick foil (for saving your drippings), small mirrors - dollar store oil sticks, pan pastels, stamps, pressed flowers or leaves from your favorite plant, dry or live. 
    You may want to bring your own mark making tools: ceramic tools, 
    linoleum cutters, single edge razor blades with handle, dental, & culinary.
    A few favorite photographs which have been duplicated on a black/white 
    and/or color copier, some might be enlarged to completely cover a panel you bring. Various collage materials including special papers, string, dried natural materials and objects. Ink jet on heavy weight mat paper can be glued (SOBO glue) on hardboard prior to class and then waxed on with beeswax.
    Sketch pad for ideas, sketches, and notes. Dress for mess! 

    I share my Hot Plates, griddles, tools, irons, torches, Pan pastels, NEO Colors, (water soluble beeswax crayons) oils sticks, unique papers, and collage embellishments.
    I ask each student to pick out tools they want to use that day. Each student is responsible for cleaning tools at the end of each session.

    RESOURCES FOR SUPPLIES: 
    Beeswax: Swans Candles http://www.swanscandles.com/store/beeswax.html


    I also sell refined White beeswax prills for $25.00 a pound. Students need it for the second class.





    Studio Rules:

    The paint is hot, the tools may be hot, sharp objects etc. !!!
    I share all my tools, Griddles, R & F Palettes, tape, markers, NEOColors, Collage materials, and Pan Pastels, and mica powders. Please return anything you use to where it belongs/place/space. Each student is responsible for keeping an eye on the surface thermometer through their session on their palette not exceeding 200 degrees. Keep griddle on till it is cleaned at the end of the session.
    Please clean the tools you use by heating on a hot plate and wiping clean with paper towels for the next artist using that tool.

    Each artist is responsible for keeping their Palette/Griddle clean and foiling the surface. Even if you are using aluminum panels.

    Most important is being fully conscious/focused at all times.

    Tools for mono printing and pressing objects, beads, pressed flowers onto your work. Do not use Brayers or Barens without using a barrier of wax paper or foil.
    Certain cutting tools, Scissors are marked WAX, this means that only for use on a surface with beeswax. Do not use paper cutter if paper is waxed.

    I share my beeswax for first class for practicing.
    I do not allow students to use my beeswax if they have ANY COLOR on their work. This protects the beeswax and brushes getting polluted with any color.

    When using ANY FUSING TOOL be aware of your surroundings.
    Only use the torch at designated station.

    Move any paper that may be part of our session before using the torch.

    Do not place your iron on its own cord. If it gets burned student needs to replace.

    Know where each fire extinguisher is located!

    Wash your hands before eating snacks.