Suzanne Bell’s Encaustic Workshops at Petroglyphe on March 14 and 15

Mar 8, 2015 by Petroglyphe

Make it an Art Day in Mokelumne Hill . . . attend an encaustic workshop in the morning and then go to see the Amador and Calaveras Arts Council’s River Reflections Show in the afternoon at the Hotel Leger.

Encaustic painting has been around since the Egyptians used hot wax in the Fayum mummy portraits around 100 – 300 AD. The word encaustic originates from the Greek word, enkaustikos, which means “to burn in.” Colored wax is applied to a surface of prepared wood or canvas, fused onto the surface with a small blow torch and then shaped with special brushes or tools.

“Some of my favorite things about encaustics are that I get to use a blow torch,” shared Suzanne Bell. “I love the hint of honey in the air and how the colorful melted wax lends itself to a playful expression.” Suzanne Bell, known for her inspirational teaching style, was born and raised in the Sierra Foothills. Her paintings come from within and follow a free flowing approach. She creates from her imagination starting with a color scheme, and then evolves into a rhythmic motion to capture a mood in time. She currently teaches classes at Crocker Art Museum, Sierra College and at the Youth Art Academy in her studio/gallery in Sacramento. Visit suzannebellarts.com to view her work.

March 14     Encaustics—Beyond the Basics with Suzanne Bell     10:00 am – 3:00 pm     Open to all levels
This one day encaustic workshop focuses on the safety, studio set up, history of encaustics, and several encaustic painting techniques. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to learn how to fuse with iron, carve to define shapes, discover layers of color by scraping, and use tape for line and design. Students will also explore the use of various encaustic tools such as blow torches, heat guns, the stylus, oil sticks, and many more unique gadgets! Several encaustic masterpieces will be created by each participant by the end of the workshop.  (Class is limited to 10 students.)

March 15     Encaustics: Texture and Collage with Suzanne Bell   10:00 am – 3:00 pm   Encaustic experience required
Take your art to the next level. We’ll focus on the more advanced techniques available in the encaustic art world, such as, grout, impressions, stamping, oil staining, antiquing, image transfers, embedded elements, water designs, fun papers, charcoal, graphite, metallic powders, and much more! Students will complete several encaustic masterpieces. Come to have fun, dress for mess. (Class is limited to 10 students.)

Class size is limited, so call the gallery or drop by for class details and to reserve your spot.

Petroglyphe offers fine art, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, art glass, cards, prints, Native American flutes and more. Signature gift wrapping is always free. The gallery is located at 8317 Main Street, Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245.

Regular gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday 11:30 am – 5:30 pm and Sunday 11:30 – 4:00 pm. Visit the gallery online at www.gallerypetroglyphe.com or give us a call at 209-286-1387.