Artwork by Coldwax Workshop participants

Learners in my Painting with Coldwax workshops continually amaze me with the work that they produce in only four weeks of practice with the medium.

A few artists from the Butternut Valley Arts & Crafts Center in Morris, NY produced the rich and complex pieces of art shown above in my last Painting with Coldwax workshop. What a pleasure and an honor to see the development of these pieces through layers and layers of paint and wax!

I am inspired by the palettes of these artists. Color is such a complex and challenging element to master that it is all too easy to become accustomed to using the “safe” colors of a trusted palette. (I frequently find myself in that place!) I love the playfulness of these pieces—the experiments in color combining exhilarating and inspiring.

I can’t wait to do this all again with you in September!

Upcoming workshops

This spring I’m trying something new and offering classes on weekdays rather than Saturdays.

The Butternut Valley Arts & Crafts Center will host my next workshop on Mondays, March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 4-6p. $130 ($120 for members) with supplies included. To register please visit https://bvartscenter.org/classes.html.

We are in the process of arranging a workshop at Cooperstown Art Association Tuesdays, April 29 and May 6, 13 and 20, 1–3p. $120 with supplies included.

These will be introductory workshops exploring cold wax medium, learning the materials, tools and techniques necessary for painting layered luminous paintings. The class is suitable for beginners, but returning students will also enjoy refining their ability to create unique expressive artwork. We will complete multiple paintings on wood panel and paper.

I am developing a workshop for folks who are interested in exploring more advanced techniques hopefully in fall 2025. In the meantime pleas get in touch if you have any questions.

I’m looking forward to painting with you!

Holiday Markets

I love the holiday season and especially all the gift making that comes along with it—hand-painted wooden ornaments, small batch preserves and vinegars, tins of homemade treats. There is something very special about giving something made in my own home to loved ones and neighbors.  

I have also been making gifts for you to give to special folks in your life: I have been working on a series of small 4 x 4 in cold wax paintings for sale at holiday markets this year. (See below for a sample.)

I love painting these small abstract pieces, trying to capture the beauty of our experience and condensing it into its essential parts—which is all that will fit on 4 x 4 in surface! Such a wonderful challenge! The other media I have used in producing these are used tea bags, brown paper, ink, water color, oil stick, wax crayon, graphite and acrylic.

Affordable art is a great gift and I’m really pleased to be able to offer these signed and framed pieces at prices perfect for gifting, from $65 to $80 per painting. I am also offering 8 x 8 in framed cold wax paintings on wooden panel for a discounted rate of $250. (Please do get in touch about any piece you might be interested in—everything is discounted to make space in my studio for my new collection.)

 I hope you’ll find one or a few pieces for folks on your list at one of these holiday events:

• Cooperstown Art Association Holiday Show & Sale: November 16–December 21

• 354 Main Annual Holiday Market, A boutique shop located in Otego: One day only, Saturday, December 7th, 3–7pm. I will be at 354 Main for the duration of the market and would love to see you and share some complimentary food and drink with you!

I wish you a hand-made holiday season full of light and magic!