Rainbow Bridge Encaustic Pet Portraits
with Betsy Schairer

This is a great class for anyone who would like to use the healing power of art to connect with a lost pet that deserves to be remembered well. Or engage with the commemorative power of portrait making to honor a pet in your life who deserves to be specially honored while they are still with us. This is an introductory class where we learn hands-on about creating with the fascinating medium of encaustic beeswax. Encaustics are the 2,000-year-old art making technique of painting by burning colors into wax.

We will be using encaustic pigment paints and collage techniques to explore the beautiful layering capabilities of this special medium that still captures the hearts and minds of artists today. You will learn techniques to draw, collage, paint, and add metallic elements to embellish your special pet’s portrait. Your original photo will be safe, as the instructor will print your scanned image for you prior to class on encaustic compatible paper for your use during the workshop. We'll learn how to use heat guns, wax styluses, propane torches and melting wax. Working with melting wax is a unique joy so bring an apron and come spend a creative day with us at Black Barn Fine Art Studio!

Open to all levels - beginners are welcome.
Number of Students: 10 Students maximum, 6 students minimum
Cost per Student: $175 Tuition, $40 materials fee – All materials provided with fee paid
One day workshop – 12pm-4pm
Students to please bring snacks & canvas apron or heavy smock, sketchbook and pen. Students to email a pet photo to be printed by instructor on appropriate paper prior to day of class.