July 24-276 2026 | Friday-Sunday | 10:30-4:30 | $750—LIMITED ENROLLMENT

4 Students only

Encaustic painting has beautifully unique properties that sing in larger formats. There are particular issues specific to encaustic that require specific consideration and planning to achieve the full impact with less frustration, cost and pain. I have solved and refined many of my approaches after years of painting in a full range of sizes, subjects and scale.

This popular workshop is designed for those already comfortable working with encaustic paint who want to elevate their skill level and expand in size. We will be covering the many issues inherent to scaling up and tackle the complications of working large. This workshop will dive deep and will walk you through the multitude of challenges with scaling up to ‘large’ works.

We will explore alternative tools, set-ups and substrates as well as compositional issues, large batch paint prep, ergonomics and alternative media to get the most bang for your efforts.

January 16–18, 2026 | Friday–Sunday | 10:30–4:30 SOLD OUT

Solstice Immersion coming June 19-21

Sign up for waiting list now.

Kelly Williams Art Studio: Portland, OR | Tuition: $850 — includes all materials, tools, and three nourishing lunches. Limited to 4–6 participants

Write it. Burn it. Transform it.

In this workshop, each painting becomes an artifact—holding what you’ve released, transformed, and created. Prepare to drop down, find your voice, and build the skills that carry your power into the new year.

This three-day midwinter creative immersion blends technical instruction with personal meaning, seasonal reflection, and material exploration. You’ll work with encaustic layering, fusing, carving, asemic writing, mark-making, and mixed media collage—using materials rich in symbolism and story: burnt paper, ash, and pigment created through personal ritual.

We’ll begin with writing and a ritual fire (weather permitting)—a nod to my time in Ireland and the transformative traditions of St. Brigid—burning words and fragments to create ash and collage elements to incorporate into your work. Whether you’re new to encaustic or ready to push your style further, you’ll be guided in developing a visual language rooted in presence, process, and experimentation.

With only 4–6 participants, this is an intentionally intimate setting—ensuring plenty of one-on-one guidance, space to explore at your own pace, and the kind of quiet focus that lets your work deepen.

All materials are provided, including R&F encaustic paints and pigment sticks (with generous support from R&F Handmade Paints), small student panels, medium, and mixed media supplies. You’re welcome to bring a larger or specialty panel if you prefer.

Each day offers not just learning, but nourishment—in skill, in spirit, and at the table. I will provide breakfast/coffee/tea and light bites for the morning and a hearty Irish-style lunch of homemade soups, fresh bread with space to connect. You’ll leave with work that is deeply your own—artifacts of release and renewal—and the momentum, skills, and creative clarity to carry you into the year ahead.

These sessions are a dedicated space—online or in person—to focus on your creative work and your growth as an artist. Depending on your needs, we might explore painting as a tool for personal reflection and emotional processing, or dive into strengthening your technical skills, composition, and artistic voice.

We might review works in progress, explore encaustic and mixed media techniques, plan a project from concept to completion, or develop strategies for sourcing materials and setting up your studio

1-Hour Online or Phone Session
A focused conversation to review works-in-progress, untangle creative blocks, or plan your next steps. This time can be reflective and process-oriented, or direct and skill-focused—tailored to what will serve you most.

3-Hour In-Studio Session
An immersive experience in my Portland studio, blending hands-on painting with meaningful discussion. We’ll work side-by-side—experimenting with techniques, refining your work, or using art-making as a way to process and grow.

Sign up for Waiting List if you are interested in this special opportunity and want to be included in the invitation only invite

3-days

Explore your creative depths during a five-day deep dive. This special workshop delves into discovering your unique artistic voice by drawing inspiration from nature and integrating personal narratives. Activities include writing prompts, organic mark-making, and plant printing, with a focus on how to incorporate these techniques into encaustic art. We will explore nature as a way to collaborate with your work—I will share unique ways I have developed to paint with Sun, Wind, Fire, Rain, Earth and Ash. You'll develop a nature inspired 'creative language' to craft artwork with personal significance AND have a ton of fun!

With a special thanks to R&F handmade paints for the materials support.