ERNA dE VRIES nee dE VRIES
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"Encaustic" to burn in, is an ancient painting technique using layers of melted wax which are fused together with heat. The wax medium, made with bees wax and darmar resin to harden the wax can be used alone for its transparency or pigments can be mixed into the wax. The wax medium is then applied to a sturdy support with brushes, knives or other tools and can be manipulated to create textures and other effects. Artists have practised this technique for over 2000 years - one of the earliest applications of encaustic paints dates back to ancient Greece where artists decorated their boats and highlighted the features of marble statues with pigmented wax. Egyptians mastered the art of encaustic painting and created the famous fayum portraits which were attached to mummy cases or the wrappings of the deceased. Encasutic wall murals were found in Pompeii and icons of the Byzantine era were also painted with wax
Although in decline during the Middle Ages, encaustic has again gained popularity in the 20th century and many well known artists (Diego Riviera, Jasper Johns, Tony Scherman) have worked extensively with wax and have influenced many contemporary encaustic artists.
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ENCAUSTIC WORKSHOPS DESCRIPTIONS:
"Encaustic + Mixed Media Explorations"
This encaustic workshop provides opportunity for both beginner and experienced participants to explore and experiment with multiple techniques working on japanese papers, wooden supports and cradled panels. Participants will be introduced to: encaustic fundamentals, history, safety, materials/tools, priming/fusing, colour mixing. Additional techniques: applying texture, stencilling, mono printing and an easy photo transfer process into wax will be demonstrated. There will be plenty of time to develop personal techniques, styles and artworks. Come and explore this exciting medium and unleash your creativity in a relaxed environment under the direction of an experienced teacher and artist.
"Creating with Encaustic"
If you are familiar with encaustic and interested in developing new approaches to painting then this workshop is for you. Explore some of the techniques in more detail (texturing, layering, incising and adding oil pastles, image transfers) and design ways to incorporate these methods into a series of 3 cradled panels. This intermediate level is designed for those who have taken the basic encaustic painting workshop, are eager to expand on existing techniques and develop a more cohesive body of work. Personalized image transfers will be made for you to incorporate into your paintings.
"Encaustic and Beyond" - 2 and 3 day workshops
Venture into the realm of wax, concrete and metal! Participants will be introduced to the application of concrete compound to wooden cradled panels, incorporating metals, applying personal image transfers and storage box solutions. After demonstrations, time will be devoted to planning compositions, selecting, heating and applying wax to metal and applying concrete to panels
Erna will demonstrate her method of storing and shipping encaustic artworks and materials will be provided for participants to create their own storage box using foam and glassine. Reclaimed pieces of cooper and found metal will be available while larger pieces of cooper can be cut and shaped to size. Personal image transfers will be made for you upon request.
Individualized Small Group - 1 and 2 day workshops
In consultation with the instructor, an individualized encaustic/mixed media workshop will be developed to meet the needs of the
participants. Each workshop is designed for 2-4 people and will be held in the dE VRIES studio. Ideal for those beginning in encaustic or an excellent opportunity for those with encaustic knowledge to focus on a specific technique while develop a personal style.
Registration Fees:
Cost per participant: $200 for a 4 hour workshop, $275 for a 6 hour workshop and $475 for a 2-day (12 hour workshop) with a minimum of 2 people registered. Workshop includes all materials and refreshments
Refresher Sessions - One-on-One
$75 per hour including materials (a minimum of 3 hours)
An opportunity to use equipment, materials and hone skills under instructor guidance
Please Contact Me for Details Regarding Upcoming Workshops or to Discuss Individual Instruction
Workshop Schedule: 2022
Covid Protocols in Place
Oakville Art Society - Oakville, ON
"Encaustic + Mixed Media Explorations"
Saturday, March 26, 2022 10:00 - 4:00
limited to 6 participants
Creative Insight Pottery - Waterdown, ON
"Encaustic + Mixed Media Explorations"
Sunday, April 3, 2022 10:00 - 4:00
Kaleidoscope Creative Arts - Mississauga, ON
"Encaustic + Mixed Media Explorations"
Saturday, April 9, 2022 10:00 - 4:00
www.kaleidoscopeartsstudio.com
Workshop is Full
Oakville Art Society - Oakville, ON
"Encaustic + Mixed Media Explorations"
Saturday, November 5, 2022 10:00 - 4:00
Kaleidoscope Creative Arts - Mississauga, ON
"Encaustic + Mixed Media Explorations"
Saturday, November 19, 2022 10:00 - 4:00
www.kaleidoscopeartsstudio.com
limited to 6 participants
Erna is an artist, educator, and certified Instructor/Product Demonstrator for "Enkaustikos" a miller and manufacturer of wax paints located in Rochester NY . Please click www.encausticpaints.com to see the company product line, instructional videos, workshop offerings and more along with an interview with Erna under Enkaustikos Instructors.
An online article on Erna's process and techniques can be found in the Spring 2015 issue of EncausticArtsMagazine
