Resources: Updated List of Suppliers for General Studio and Encaustic

I have been updating my list of suppliers for the general studio, and encaustic related tools and equipment. These are companies and individuals that I use, or have been highly recommended by other artists I know. I hope that your experience will be as good as mine, but as always with recommendations, “your mileage may vary.”

Prices and shipping varies, so be sure to read all the details to get the best deal. Signing up for an e-newsletter may result in a coupon later on. Be sure to check the online sale sections. I am often pleasantly surprised to find what I need there. A higher priced item may be made with better quality ingredients, an encaustic paint may be more densely pigmented, and a specialized tool may last longer. Only you can decide what is the best deal based on your research, need and budget.

If you have a favorite business or individual you would like to add to my list, just drop me a note in a comment!

Encaustic Art Supplies

Encaustic

Clairvoyant Encaustics. Encaustic medium.
http://www.clairvoyantencaustics.com

Custom Art Panels by Rodney Thompson
http://www.rodneythompson.com/panels/Panel_intro.html

Encaustic Supplies
http://www.encausticsupplies.com

Enkaustikos. Great videos.
http://www.encausticpaints.com

Evans Encaustics. Hylla’s amazing encaustic paints.
http://www.evansencaustics.com/
http://www.HyllaEvans.blogspot.com

Fine Art Store. Enkaustikos encaustic paint, raw materials, tools, short training videos, Ampersand Encausticbords.
http://www.fineartstore.com

Kama Pigment Encaustic Paint
http://www.kamapigment.com/index_en.html

Miles Conrad Encaustics. Encaustics made by Miles Conrad.
http://www.custom-encaustics.com

Paula Roland. Hot Box
http://rolandworkshops.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=114&vmcchk=1&Itemid=114

R&F Handmade Paints. Encaustic and oil pigment sticks (the best). Workshops, blog, forum, …
http://www.rfpaints.com/

Wagner Encaustics
http://www.wagnerencaustics.com/

Wax Works Supplies
http://www.waxworksencaustics.com/

Beeswax

Dadant and Sons
http://www.dadant.com

Douglas and Stugis/ArtAtuff. Damar crystals, waxes, sculpture tools
http://www.artstuf.com

Strahl & Pitsch (best source yellow beeswax)
http://strahlpitsch.com/

Swans Candles LLP. Pelletized pharmaceutical  grade beeswax
http://www.swanscandles.com/store/encausticsupplies.html

Books and DVDs

Books

The Art of Encaustic Painting by Joanne Mattera
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0823002837/wwwjoannematt-20

Embracing Encaustics: Learning to Paint with Beeswax by Linda & William Womack
http://www.lindawomack.com/books/purchase.html

Encaustic Art: The Complete Guide to Creating Fine Art with Wax by Lissa Rankin
http://www.owningpink.com/lissa-rankin-md/lissas-books/encaustic-book

Encaustic Mixed Media: Innovative Techniques and Surfaces for Working With Wax by Patricia Seggebruch
http://gingerfetish.blogspot.com/2011/04/encaustic-mixed-media-innovative.html

Encaustic with a Textile Sensibility by Daniella Woolf. Book.
http://encausticwithatextilesensibility.blogspot.com/2010/05/and-now-book-is-here.html

Encaustic Workshop Book by Patricia B. Seggebruch
http://www.amazon.com/Encaustic-Workshop-Patricia-B-Seggebruch/dp/B006LNJLUK

Mysterious Fayum Portraits by Euphrosyne Doxiadis
http://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Fayum-Portraits-Euphrosyne-Doxiadis/dp/0810933314/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327675207&sr=8-2

DVDs

Encaustic +Paper taught by Wax Works West, Wendy Aikin, Judy Stabile, Daniella Woolf. DVD: 155 minutes.
http://waxworkswest.com/products/dvds.html

Encaustic Monotypes: Painterly Prints with Heat and Wax by Paula Roland. DVD: 145 minutes.
http://www.paularoland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=119

Encaustic with a Textile Sensibility by Daniella Woolf. DVD: 120 minutes
http://encausticwithatextilesensibility.blogspot.com/2009/11/dvd-is-almost-for-sale.html

Wax Twist: Advanced Encaustic Techniques by Cari Hernandez. DVD: 110 minutes.
http://www.waxtwist.com/WAX_Twist/Home.html

Damar Resin Crystals

Douglas and Stugis/ArtAtuff. Damar crystals, waxes, sculpture tools
http://www.artstuf.com

Utrecht. Paper, damar crystals, brushes, general art supplies.
http://www.utrecht.com

Metal Leaf

Sepp Leaf
http://www.seppleaf.com 

Sinopia Pigments and Materials
http://www.sinopia.com/index.aspx

Metal Hot Press Foil

Crown Roll Leaf
http://www.crownrollleaf.com/foils.html

Texas Craft
http://www.texascraft.com/hps/home.php?cat=272

Paper

Graphic Chemical and Ink. Paper, inks, rollers and brayers, everything printmaking related.
https://www.graphicchemical.com/Default.asp

Hiromi
http://store.hiromipaper.com/

Mulberry Paper and More
http://www.mulberrypaperandmore.com

OAS: Oriental Art Supply
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/

Pigments and Inks

Earth Pigments .“Non-toxic pigments, mica powders and mediums”
http://www.earthpigments.com/index.cfm

Faust Ink
http://www.faustink.com/store/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=24&selection=2

Graphic Chemical and Ink. Paper, inks, rollers and brayers, everything printmaking related.
https://www.graphicchemical.com/Default.asp

Kama Pigments
http://www.kamapigment.com/store/index.asp?lang=1&catpage=500

Sinopia
http://www.sinopia.com/

Printing: Post Cards, Business Cards, …

iprintfromhome.com
http://www.iprintfromhome.com/

Modern Postcard
http://www.modernpostcard.com/

Moo. Mini-business cards, stickers, …
http://www.moo.com

Overnight Print
http://www.overnightprints.com

Shipping Materials

Foam Board Source
http://www.foamboardsource.com

Talas. Silicone release paper. Bookbinding, conservation and restoration supplies.
http://www.talasonline.com/

Uline. Boxes, bubble wrap, packing materials.
http://www.uline.com/

Software

Business

Bento. Organize events, track projects, … (Mac)
http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/

eArtist. Business management tool. (PC, Mac)
http://www.artscope.net/eArtist/

GYST: Get Your “. Organize your inventory, projects and more. (PC, Mac)
http://www.gyst-ink.com/

Working Artist. …”Manage the business side of art”… (PC)
http://www.workingartist.com/

Other

The Complete Sculptor. Tools.
http://www.sculpt.com

Sculpture House. Tools
http://www.sculpturehouse.com/

Krueger Pottery. Tools
http://kruegerpottery.com/

Lidded Tins

Specialty Bottle
http://www.specialtybottle.com/metalcontainers.aspx

Best Containers. Metal lidded tins
http://www.bestcontainers.com/derosetinse.html

Treenway Silks
http://www.treenwaysilks.com/?mid=551

General Art materials and Supplies

ArtMart. R&F product line. Ampersand Encausticbords. General art supplies.
Local, St. Louis.
http://www.artmartstl.com/

Art Supplies Online
http://www.artsuppliesonline.com/search.cfm?terms=encaustic

ASW Express
http://search.aswexpress.com/search?keywords=encaustic

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
http://www.cheapjoes.com/search/?keywords=encaustic&x=21&y=9

Daniel Smith Art Materials
http://www.danielsmith.com/

Dick Blick. Panels, encaustic paints and supplies, general needs.
http://www.dickblick.com

Jerry’s Art Arama
http://search.jerrysartarama.com/search?keywords=encaustic

Metropolitan Picture Framing
http://www.metroframe.com/

Pearl Paint
http://www.pearlpaint.com/shop_search.htm?keywords=encaustic&Submit=Go

Utrecht. Paper, damar crystals, brushes, general art supplies.
http://www.utrecht.com

Hope you find what you need! Add your go-to supplier in a comment!

Teaching: Encaustic Classes 2012, January-April

Time to sign up for my encaustic classes!! Classes will start soon, and always fill up fast. So, sign up early. Check back for classes with a TBA Date/Time designation, or call/email the venue listed for more information. Looking forward to seeing you!

St. Charles County Arts Council
Lillian Yahn Gallery
7443 Village Center Drive
O’Fallon, MO 63368
Call: 636-332-9721

• Encaustic: Basic Techniques
  Tuesday, January 24, 6-8pm
  Have you always wanted to learn about encaustic painting? Learn about this beautiful, lustrous, versatile medium in the Encaustic: Basic Techniques class. We will take a look at the history of encaustic, review contemporary artists, learn about equipment and material safety,  and studio set up.  We will explore basic painting and mark making techniques in this 2 hour class taught by encaustic artist Lisa Sisley-Blinn. Take home an 8″ x 8″ encaustic painting made in class. Sign up early, class is limited to 6. Class is limited to 4 students. Age 18+. $50/student.

St. Louis Artists Guild
St. Louis, MO.
Two Oak Knoll Park
Clayton, MO 63105
Gallery: 314-727-6266
http://www.stlouisartistsguild.org/new/

• Introduction to Encaustic
  Saturdays, March 24 – May 12. 10am-12:30pm (8 classes)
  This 8-week class will focus on exploring current encaustic methods and materials. After a brief history and survey of artists currently working in the medium, we will explore studio safety, tools and materials, supports, heat sources, encaustic paints and medium, mark making, transfers, direct and indirect drawing, embedding, collage and mixed media techniques. This class is well suited for both beginner and intermediate level students. (Even if you have some encaustic experience, I highly recommend this class. I cover a lot of information.) 18 years+.
• Encaustic Open Studio
  Saturdays, March 24 – May 12. 1:30pm-4pm (8 classes)
  No place to work? Need inspiration or company? Bring your projects to the Encaustic Open Studio class where you will find hot plates, heat guns, hot wax tools, various texture tools, transfer imagery and collage “stuff” to complete your idea, or jump-start you onto a new path.  Demos, tricks and tips, along with cheerful guidance are waiting. Sign up soon, as space is limited to 8 students. (This is not an introductory class, experience with encaustic is required.) 18 years+.

ArtMart
2355 S. Hanley Road
St. Louis, MO. 63144
Call 314.781.9999

• Encaustic+ Collage (1 Class)
  Saturday, February 18, 2:30-5pm
  Learn essential techniques to incorporate collage materials with encaustic paint. Encaustic artist Lisa Sisley-Blinn will show you how to embed and encapsulate collage materials, how to set up a safe work area, and demo basic encaustic painting techniques. Take home a completed painting on premium Encausticbord. 18 years+. Limit 6.
• Encaustic+ Transfer (1 Class)
  Tuesday, March 13, 5pm-7:30pm (1 Class.)
  Encaustic artist Lisa Sisley-Blinn will teach you how to transfer laser based images into your encaustic painting surface, overwork with additional painting and scraping techniques, and talk about the basics of how to set up a safe work area. Take home a completed painting on premium Encausticbord. 18 years+. Limit 6.
• Encaustic+:  4 Week Intensive
  April (4 Classes. Dates/Times TBA)
  Have you always wanted to learn about encaustic painting? Come to the “Encaustic+ 4 Week Intensive” to learn about this luscious, beautiful, versatile medium. It will cover safety and studio set up, transfer, drawing methods, collage and texture creation. Everything you need to know to get started. Taught by encaustic artist Lisa Sisley-Blinn. 2  1/2 hour class. 18 years+.
  
  • Week 1: Encaustic + Basic Techniques
    In the first class we will briefly take a look at the history of encaustic, review contemporary artists, learn about equipment and material safety,  and studio set up.  We will complete our first painting using layering and fusing techniques.
  • Week 2: Encaustic + Transfer, Direct and Indirect Drawing
    Encaustic is a very versatile medium. In addition to painting techniques, encaustic can be used with most drawing materials either directly on the surface, or by means of transferring the image from another surface.  Special focus will be on the use of oil paint sticks to create intaglio-like surface drawings and texture. We will complete our second painting using a water-based transfer method , as well as using drawing tools common to your home or studio.
  • Week 3: Encaustic + Collage: Embedding and Encasing
    The encaustic medium can be used to create beautiful collages with both flat and low relief materials through the use of embedding and encasing techniques. Our third painting in this series will focus on using encaustic to create a collage, layered with drawing and painting to create a finished piece
  • Week 4: Encaustic + Texture and Low Relief
    In our last class for this series, learn how to create texture using both common and surprise tools and materials. You will also learn how to create low relief patterns and shapes that can be built up quickly and easily. Complete your fourth painting

Studio Encaustic Intensive (1 class, 6 hours)

Jumble Ice II

Request individual or group classes that meet in my personal studio. Contact me at sisley-blinn@gmail.com
O’Fallon, MO. 63368

Experience the tactile, versatile nature of encaustic painting in a private studio setting with a one or two-day workshop. Workshops can be scheduled for individuals or small groups up to 4 students. Skill level can be tailored to your needs, current projects, or interests.

Learn about studio safety, materials, tools and techniques. Receive handouts on safety, contemporary artists using the medium, professional groups, resources, recipes for encaustic medium and more. Some of the topics covered include: working safely, preparing a substrate (paper, panel, braced panel), making paint and mixing colors, hot/cool techniques, digital image transfer, collage and embedding, incising, and use of a heat gun and torch. Many materials included: encaustic medium, beeswax, encaustic paint, and oil stick.

One-day class is 6 hours, 10am-4pm with a break for lunch. Two-day class is 4 hours each day, 10am-2pm. Come take a class: laugh, learn and take completed work home with you! Limit 4. 18 years+

One Day Session, Six hours
$150.00 for one person
$125.00 for each person, up to 4 students

Studio Encaustic Intensive Class Calendar for 2012:

January 28, 10am-4pm, Saturday.
February 25, 10am-4pm, Saturday.
March 17, 10am-4pm, Saturday.
April 22, 10am-4pm, Sunday.
May 26, 10am-4pm, Saturday.

Contact me at sisley-blinn@gmail.com
O’Fallon, MO. 63368 (About 45 min. from the Arch.)

Online : Readings and Inspiration 8-24-2011

Like many, I use the Internet for information gathering, sourcing, and inspiration. I read news articles, find new art blogs, follow leads, and look at a lot of images. Here is a short list of what crossed my monitor this week.

Today my searches for information have centered around how to find support to sustain being an artist. This may take the form of grants and residencies, or advice on how to work with a gallery. Below are some of the most interesting sources I found this past week.

Resources

• Alliance of Artists Communities
  

  Even Google can help you if you have the time and endurance!

  “The Alliance of Artists Communities is a national and international association of artists’ communities and residencies — a diverse field of more than 1,000 programs worldwide that support artists of any discipline in the development of new creative work”

• Res Artis
  “We are an association of over 300 centers and organizations in over 50 countries. Our members are dedicated to offering artists, curators, and all manner of creative people a time and place away from their every-day life, an experience framed within a unique geographic and cultural context.”
• Creative Capital
  “Creative Capital is a national nonprofit organization that provides integrated financial and advisory support to artists pursuing adventurous projects in all disciplines. Our pioneering approach combines funding, counsel and career development services to enable a project’s success and foster sustainable practices for our grantees.”
• CAA Opportunities (College Art Association). Nice long list.

• Art Contests, Competitions & Shows Where You Pay Up Front. Time waster, scam, or true opportunity. You only know for sure after you do your homework. Don’t take it for granted that the exciting offer you received is real until you sort out all the details. Good article from ArtBusiness.com.
• Artist Pay-to-Play Galleries, Exhibitions, Publications. A short article from ArtBusiness.com. Provides 32 resources to look into thoroughly before committing:  “a partial list, in no particular order, of publications, venues, and other situations where you have to pay to expose your art, and that you should fully research– before you pay– in order to understand exactly what you’re getting for your money…”
• For more great information, take a look at the list of over 100 interesting topics on the ArtBusiness.com site, Articles for Artists. Here are the newest topics-inspiring and informative. Worth the time to read:
  • Common Artist Misconceptions & Realities
  • What to do When You Damage Your Own Art 
  • Facebook and Social Networking for Artists
  • How to Self-Publish a Book or Catalog of Your Art
  • What Makes Good Art
  • Make Effective Use of Your Studio Time
  • Hopeless Artist Emails-And How to Make Them Better (This article is about using emails to contact a gallery)

What are your strategies for finding the best venues, competitions, and related artist opportunities? Post your ideas in a comment!

Online: Readings and Inspiration 8-17-2011

Like many, I use the Internet for information gathering, sourcing, and inspiration. I read news articles, find new art blogs, follow leads, and look at a lot of images. Here is a short list of what crossed my monitor this week.

Artist

• Lynda Benglis Discusses Contraband. Whitney videos from their Watch and Listenseries. Always a pleasure to listen to an artist dedicated to her work and process.
• Toby Ziegler: The Hedonistic Imperative. An interview with Toby Ziegler regarding his painting, The Hedonistic Imperative, and working methods. Part of 280 video artist interviewson the Tate’s website. These rich interviews provide insights into the artist’s work, studio practice, views on life and art.
  

  Toby Ziglier

Art Resources

• Womack Video Workshops. New series of encaustic video workshops. If you are new to encaustic, or wanting to learn new skills,  you are sure to learn a lot  from her videos. Take a look at the free Getting Started video.
• Marketing Mondays: The Gallery Program. Another great article from Joanne Mattera from her Marketing Mondays series.
• 9 Reasons Why Failure Is Not Fatal. Videos and articles. Inspirational.
• A Fair Use Primer (links). Short article.
• Hanging Art Work. Informative with good instructions.
• How to Make a Carton. Instructions for making a quick carton for artwork storage, transportation or shipping (I would put this into another box with packing foam.)
• How Its Made: Pencil. Who knew! The steps in making a Staedtler’s pencil are numerous and very interesting.
  

Have a favorite web site, blog, video, or resource? Post it in a comment!

New Classes: Introduction to Encaustic, and Intermediate Encaustic! Starts Oct. 8.

I so love teaching!! It is exciting to share what I know, and learn many new things along the way. I will be teaching 2 classes at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, in St. Louis, MO.,  starting Oct. 8. Each class is 8 weeks long, on consecutive Saturdays. Each class is limited to 8 students. (The Intermediate Encaustic class already has 4 students, so sign up early!)

Here is the info:

Introduction to Encaustic

This 8-week class will focus on exploring current encaustic methods and materials. After a brief history and survey of artists currently working in the medium, we will explore studio safety, tools and materials, supports, heat sources, encaustic paints and medium, mark making, transfers, direct and indirect drawing, embedding, collage and mixed media techniques. This class is well suited for both beginner and intermediate level students.

Instructor:

Encaustic and Oil Bar

Lisa Sisley-Blinn

Dates:

Meets every week through Sat Nov 26 2011

Saturday, October 8, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, October 15, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, October 22, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, October 29, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, November 5, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, November 12, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, November 19, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, November 26, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Cost:

Member: $120 Non-Member: $150 • Ages 18+

Location:

St. Louis Artists’ Guild

Email:

education@stlouisartistsguild.org

Phone:

314-727-6266

Intermediate Encaustic

This 8-week class is for those who already have some experience with encaustic and want to learn more. Emphasis will be put on how to incorporate encaustic medium with each students’ existing skills and working preferences. After a brief review of artists currently working in the medium, and studio safety, we will explore a new topic each week. Example topics to be covered will include: working on alternative substrate materials such as plexi-glass and ceramic, building braced boards, tactics for working on larger pieces that require cross-bracing, working with 3D materials such as paper pulp and mixed media constructions, information on various torches, and specialized hot wax tools. Venders, new materials and tools, professional organizations and upcoming event/conference information will be shared. Along with information presentations and demos, there is in-class time each week to work on individual projects. Enrollment is limited to 8.

Instructor:

Encaustic on Paper

Lisa Sisley-Blinn

Dates:

Meets every week through Sat Nov 26 2011

Saturday, October 8, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, October 15, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, October 22, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, October 29, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, November 5, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, November 12, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, November 19, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, November 26, 2011 – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Cost:

Member: $120 Non-Member: $150 • Ages 18+

Location:

St. Louis Artists’ Guild

Email:

education@stlouisartistsguild.org

Phone:

314-727-6266

In the Studio: Iwatani Torch Burner Professional

Yes, I am a tool junkie. Can’t help it. Good tools just make life easier, unique and unusual tools make it exciting. Tools that you have been lusting over for a year are precious.

New to my studio is the Iwatani Torch Burner Professional, $34.00 plus shipping at the time of my purchase. I know, this is not new to many of you, nor is it huge, but it is a step up for me from my 10-year-old 5″ tall crème brûlée torch.  I will gradually make my way to the “Rambo” sized propane canister with wearable holster and torch on a flexible hose, but for now, baby steps.

As described on the Amazon.com site, it has the following features:

• “Built-in pistol type piezo ignition
  

  Iwatani Torch Burner Professional

• Use with Iwatani Cassette Gas
• Easy to use Push’n Twist gas cylinder attachment
• Built-in Flame Size adjustment
• Air regulating knob”

The pistol ignition is as easy as advertised. The flame size adjustment and air regulating system is also as easy as described.  Just gently turn the gray knob on the back to start the fuel flow (you will hear it fizz a bit), and squeeze the trigger. Instant flame! The gray ring around the front metal barrel adjusts the flame from a very small and soft glow to a billowing flame. Between the fuel flow and the flame control you can adjust the amount of heat and surface area affected by the flame quickly. To turn the flame off, rotate the gray knob on the back until the fuel is no longer flowing, and the flame dies out.

The Iwatani Cassette Gas cylinder is recommended for this torch  (as shown in the picture). It has a special coupling ring, that has a 1/4th” notch that allows the torch to mount to the canister. Many canisters do not have this notched ring, so be careful when you make your purchase.]

GasOne Butane Fuel Canister

Instead of the Iwatani Cassette Gas cylinder, I purchased the GasOne Butane Fuel Canister, 12 pack for $19.00. It has the notched ring, and was less expensive than the recommended brand. The torch fits perfectly. Now that I have the set, I can cheerfully work on larger encaustic pieces, and the electricity in my home studio, or class room at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, doesn’t set off a circuit breaker when a hot plate cycles on or more than one student turns on a heat gun! The product features are described as this:

• Net Weight: 8oz (227g) per cartridge
• Height: 7.25″ Diameter: 2.6″
• Cartridge has a Notched Collar providing easier alignment in portable gas burners!
• UL Listed (1st available UL Recognized Safety Container for butane fuel)

For those that are not ready for a big torch, and want to get started with something bigger than the tiny standard kitchen torch, this is a nice size. It fits in your hand and is not too heavy. It is good in the studio on medium-sized work, and great in a class room. It is easy to transport, and is not too scary for  beginning encaustic students. The main negative is that you do have to keep buying the fuel canisters.

What am I coveting now? Well, for fine work I’m now thinking about the Blazer PT 4000 Pen Torch …

What torches and fuel are you using? Leave a comment.

Online: Readings and Inspiration 7-19-2011

Like many, I use the Internet for information gathering, sourcing, and inspiration. I read news articles, find new art blogs, follow leads, and look at a lot of images. Here is a short list of what crossed my monitor this week.

Artist

• On ArtNet: “Cy Twombly: The Writing on the Wall” by Peter Plagens. Well written.
  

  “It’s difficult to make a calibrated and semi-nuanced case in favor of a prominent artist who’s just died. Opinions at that moment — and we have one here with the passing of Cy Twombly — tend to fall emphatically either in the direction of praise (Twombly was one of the greatest American artists of the post-World-War-II era) or bah-humbug (Twombly was a late-to-the-game Abstract Expressionist who tarted up comparatively vacuous paintings with references advertising his erudition). For me, the two extremes are both true, but in a way that leaves my estimation of Twombly not in the middle, but way over — albeit not all the way over — on the positive side.” Read more.

• Soledad Salame: Works on Paper. Beautiful mixed media prints that combine various image making methods and painting.
  

  Atmosphere in Gold I,II,III. Monoprint, Silkscreen, Solar Etching. 20.5

• Brian Dettmer, had created an amazing library of sculptural altered books. Truly beautiful (no wax required)!
  Brian Dettmer: Remixed Mediavideo on Vimeo from Alfred Aponte
  

  The Volume Library, 2010, Altered Book, 11-1/4" x 10" x 7-1/4"

• Flame Painter. A free web-based Java application for creating multi-tonal flame-like forms. View short YouTube video to learn about using various controls. Make a screen capture and use in other digital works. “Flame Painter Online application can be used for personal, non-commercial, or non-profit activities. If you would like to use the application for commercial or for-profit activities, purchase a full featured Flame Painter standalone version.”
• Nicole Donnelly. Painter and sculptor. Subtle, transitional tones and shape. Ambiguous figure and ground.
  

  Yadir Quintana This Ship. Oil on Canvas

• Yadir Quintana at Standpipe Gallery
  

  Yadir 2011 Gold and silver leaf, oil stick on panel 11" x 14"

• Lenore Thomas, as shown at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts, combines diverse materials and processes such as Xerox transfer, screenprint, acrylic, graphite on panel, intaglio, and wax.
  

  Passive-Aggressive Marshmallow, 2010 Screenprint, intaglio, acrylic, stencil, wax, graphite on panel 15 X 15 inches

Art Resources

• 6 Exceptional Web-based Image Editors, short descriptions at Six Revisions

• Selling Your Work in New York Galleries: An Insider’s Story
  “Guest blogger Rhonda Schaller is an artist, gallerist, and the Assistant Director of Career Development at New York’s School of Visual Arts.”

  “So, this is what I have discovered in my research and in my life, about how the commercial art world works, at least for now. Is it for you? Lets dive in.

  • Setting career goals
  • Dealers vs. self-producing
  • How NOT to get a gallery
  • Steps to build your career”

• USA Projects: Great art starts here.
  “Welcome to a new era in personal philanthropy. At USA Projects, you can discover the best artists in America and, by supporting their projects, help them transform their creative visions into reality. Browse the full list to find and fund the next amazing work of art — and the next.”
• If you haven’t seen it yet, take the time to view the Encaustic Art Institute New Mexico  free online magazine.
  This is a beautiful magazine, easy to scroll through with lots of information. A great start for this endeavor!
  

  EAINM Magazine

  What are you reading and looking at today? Leave a link and a comment!

Teaching: Introduction to Encaustic, June 18-August 6, 2011

Starting June 18, I will be teaching an 8-week Introduction to Encaustic class at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild. Below please find the class description and syllabus.

Introduction to Encaustic

St. Louis Artists’ Guild & Galleries
Instructor: Lisa Sisley-Blinn, MFA Artist: Painting/Printmaking

Move I

Class Description

This 8-week class will focus on exploring current encaustic methods and materials. After a brief history and survey of artists currently working in the medium, we will explore studio safety, tools and materials, supports, heat sources, encaustic paints and medium, mark making, transfers, direct and indirect drawing, embedding, collage and mixed media techniques. This class is well suited for both beginner and intermediate level students.

Dates:

Meets every week through Sat Aug 06 2011

Saturday, June 18, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, June 25, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, July 2, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, July 9, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, July 16, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, July 23, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, July 30, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Jumble Ice II

Saturday, August 6, 2011 – 10:00am – 12:30pm

Cost: 

Member: $120 Non-Member: $150 • Ages 18+

Location:

St. Louis Artists’ Guild

Email:

education@stlouisartistsguild.org

Phone:

314-727-6266

 Materials List

Provided (stays in class):

Griddles, heat guns, paper towels, painter’s low tack tape, encaustic medium, some collage materials and copier images, texture and mark making tools, metal tins to hold paints, initial paper substrates, tracing paper, and buffing cloth.

Bring to Class (students to bring):

Several sizes of natural bristle brushes (inexpensive, not synthetic or synthetic blends), encaustic paints, substrates to paint on (paper and/or boards) *Note: materials can be purchased from ArtMart at class discount. Some encaustic paint colors, brushes, boards and paper can be purchased in class from the instructor.

Optional for You to Bring (to personalize work):

Thin and/or absorbent collage materials (fabrics, decorative papers, threads, rub-on transfers, natural materials such as dried plants), substrates (paper, boards), copier or printed images from laser or Xerox-style toner copiers (in general, water-based ink jet images can be used for embedding, but not for making transfers), texture and mark making tools, burnishing tool, drawings on tracing paper, photographs for embedding (not on resin coated paper), stencils.

Introduction to Encaustic will cover  (approximate schedule, may change due to skills and needs of the class):

June 18

• introductions, brief history and survey of current artists
  

  Fury II

• setting up a work area
• equipment and safety
• tools, materials, heat surfaces
• paper substrates
• encaustic paints and medium
• hot/cool direct painting techniques, and fusing
• handouts: terms, safety, temperature chart, list of artist blogs/websites online, recommended book list

June 25

• boards and alternative substrates
• surface preparations, protecting edges
• making encaustic medium and encaustic paint colors
• glazing, layering and creating visual depth
• creating a smooth or textured surface with encaustic paint
• handouts: sources, encaustic suppliers, professional organizations

July 2

• direct and indirect drawing techniques
• mark making, scraping, incising
• encaustic oil sticks
• image transfers, photo copier or printer images
• handout: tips and tricks

July 9

• embedding, collage and mixed media techniques
• adding additional textural elements
• handout: recommended inclusions and collage materials
  

  Berries I

      July 16

• 3D/dimensional substrates
• stencils and masks
• low relief with encaustic medium
• creating recessed shapes in the surface
• handout: list of alternative substrates

     July 23

• poured encaustic medium
• dipping, folding and layering
• monoprinting on paper
• handout: online videos

    July 30

• surface treatments, and additions
• buffing
• repairing damaged work

August 6

• documenting your work
• protecting your work, framing
• mailing/shipping and transporting
• handout: example documentation sheet, making a shipping box

For questions regarding the class, contact the St. Louis Artists’ Guild: 314-727-6266

Online: Readings & Inspiration

Like many, I use the Internet for information gathering, resourcing, and inspiration. I read news articles, find new art blogs, follow leads, and look at a lot of images. Here is a short list of what crossed my monitor this week.

Art Resources

• The Fifth International Encaustic Conference. June3-5, post conference worshops June 6-10
• Encaustic Art Institute. “We are proud to introduce the Encaustic Art Institute, a permanent gallery for all encaustic artists. Established as a non-profit 501©, we rely solely on membership fees, donations and grants. 100% of every sale of artwork goes to the artist. The Purposes of the Institute are:To exhibit the work of member encaustic artists;To promote public awareness and understanding of the encaustic medium;To offer space and programs for professional encaustic artists to exchange information about encaustic and techniques for working with wax;To offer educational workshops for people of all ages interested in learning how to create art with encaustic.”
• Encaustic Camp 2011 “EncaustiCamp is more than an opportunity to experience a new medium. It is more than spending time in a creative environment with spirits like yourself. It is more than beeswax and heat! EncaustiCamp is going beyond the 10-4 workshop retreat to experience connection, inspiration and growth that will take you not only back to the studio but also to every aspect of your life! And, to eat s’mores again!”
• The Arts Map: Connecting the Arts, Artists and the Community. “Originally created to help the public find artists’ studios, The Arts Map, with listings in 84 countries, has evolved into a global geographic interface providing access to artists, galleries, museums, public art, arts organizations, art schools, art services & supplies, and more”


Arts Map Example Screenshot

Technology

• Creative Commons. “A nonprofit organization that develops, supports, and stewards legal and technical infrastructure that maximizes digital creativity, sharing, and innovation.”
• 2 Adobe developments:
  “Adobe Turns the Tablet into a Photoshop Companion.” Read article at Mashable.com. Adobe CS5.5 upgrade announcement and pricing.

Inspiration

• Vitra Design Museum. Although originally deisigned to showcase the history of the Vitra company, “…today, the Vitra Design Museum is internationally active as a cultural institution that has made a major contribution to the research and popular dissemination of design.” Visit the “Hidden Heroes” interactive online exhibit. (This is a Flash interactive site. Be patient.)
• The Art of the Business Model. Follow the link for the SlideShare document of the speech given recently at the Arts Enterprise Summit in Kansas City.
• TED: Ideas Worth Spreading. “Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world.” Take a look at the topics under the “Creative Spark” theme.
• KickStarter: A New Way to Fund and Follow Creativity.
• Eyebeam, based in New York City, is the leading art and technology center in the USA. Eyebeam provides a fertile context and state-of-the-art tools for digital research and experimentation. It is a lively incubator of creativity and thought, where resident artists and technologists actively engage with culture in addressing the issues and concerns of our time.

Find something interesting? Post it in the comments.

Studio: “Introduction to Encaustic” Class Announcement

I am teaching four Saturday classes, “Introduction to Encaustic,” in my studio, O’Fallon, MO. USA. Each class is 4 hours long, and includes materials. See below for a copy of the class information handout

——————————————–
Studio Workshop: Introduction to Encaustic
With MFA artist Lisa Sisley-Blinn

Saturdays April 9, or 23; May 14, or 28
Each class: 10AM-2PM
Tuition: $75/4 hour class
Materials & Lab Fee: No fee, basic material pack included.
Location: Studio of Lisa Sisley-Blinn. O’Fallon, MO. 63368

Jumble Ice II

Encaustic is a paint medium composed of beeswax infused with damar resin and ground pigments. Layers are fused with heat and can range from transparent to opaque, wispy thin to thick and dimensional. Encaustic is luminous, forgiving and versatile.

Currently there is a resurgence of interest in this medium that is over 2000 years old. New encaustic paints, materials and tools, books and blogs, and dedicated researchers and instructors have generated a wealth of support and information. Safe studio methods for working, as well as shipping are well documented. And, there is a growing community of artists that create intriguing works and share their knowledge.

“Introduction to Encaustics” is a beginner level workshop, which will focus on current methods, materials and artists. After a brief history, we will explore studio safety, tools and materials, supports, heat sources, encaustic paints and medium, mark making, transfers, direct and indirect drawing, collage and embedding techniques. Go to “Workshop: Introduction to Encaustic”, http://sisleyblinn.wordpress.com/workshop-introduction-to-encaustic/, for additional class information regarding the materials list and class information.

Lisa Sisley-Blinn earned a BA in Art Education and Biology from Carroll College, and an MFA from Western Michigan University. Sisley-Blinn has been working with the encaustic medium for over 9 years, has attended numerous encaustic workshops, as well as International Encaustic Artists conference. Sisley-Blinn has paintings, prints and drawings in both private and corporate collections.

To register email: lisa@sisleyblinn.com