Exploring Landscape through Encaustic Painting

Investigate the art of encaustic painting in this very hands-on workshop and interpret and develop sketches/photographs/ideas about the landscape into encaustic paintings. Explore the ancient medium of encaustic whilst painting form, subject and varied approaches to examining the landscape. Making choices in what and how to approach the landscape, students will explore a rich variety of marks, transfer and stencil techniques. Class time will be divided between demonstrations, individual work time, and discussion about Maine’s strong contemporary and historical connection to landscape genre. We will also touch on proper studio ventilation, wax safety, and how to “finish” artworks in terms of framing and care. Students will leave with multiple finished pieces and the understanding of proper studio set-up. *Starter panels will be provided by the instructor, but students are expected to bring their own panels for finished works or developed drafts. Upon registration, you will receive further details about panel choices, along with a list of additional materials that you are invited to bring to the course.

About the Instructor

Hélène Farrar is an artist and painter primarily working in the ancient medium of encaustic. Hélène has taught and worked in the visual arts for over twenty years while actively exhibiting in commercial and nonprofit galleries and museums across Maine and New England, New York City, Italy, and England. The content of her work originates in storytelling, introspection and place. Through bold color and texture, her works are luminous, exhibit beauty, and invite response. In the last few years, her works have been accepted into prestigious institutions across New England. Hélène currently runs a private art school in Manchester, Maine, out of her “Farmhouse” studio, where she holds varied weekly classes for children and adults. She has also taught specific art programs across the state as a teaching artist in schools. Hélène has taught multiple courses at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and the International Encaustics Conference, and is a teaching artist for the Farnsworth Art Museum.

Banner artwork: “Radiance, Fall Study 3” 8 x 10 inches, encaustic on panel by Hélène Farrar