Pamela Caughey
Methods of Abstraction in Encaustic
September 20th - 27th, 2024
Join us for lots of fun and exciting ways to create abstraction in encaustic! We will use a mixed media approach – ie use of dry media, pan pastels, collage material, and special tools (electric tjanting tool, XD damar resin) to help each artist express their personal voice in a way that is unique and warms the soul!
We will try out fun new ways to create powerful, abstract compositions:
-
(Day 1, Morning) - We will do a preliminary exercise and group slide presentation of student work to help each artist identify WHO they are and what they love, using prompts, questions and a worksheet revolving around the 7 Design elements, which are key to each artist’s personal “Visual Language of Art” “alphabet.
(Day 1, Afternoon): *Color and Design presentation, part of my Powerful Design and Personal Color Course – see below for special discount on entire course)
-
Limited color palettes and Working on your substrate before initial layers of wax:
We will explore some initial ways to treat your surface, whether raw wood or gessoed (optional):
RF gesso (optional)
Dry media (pencils, graphite powder, etc)
Wet media (India inks, watercolors, water soluble pencils, etc)
Simple ink line Drawings on rice paper can be adhered and overlayed on your panel
Chalk paint underlayer
Watercolor or India inks on Cotton T-shirt fabric – adhered to your panel
Nori water based paste
-
Once we’ve tried a few surface treatments, we’ll move into the encaustic painting process and allow this method of open experimentation to guide you toward expressing your own unique, personal voice! Do you lean toward cool or warm colors, textured vs smooth, light vs dark, large vs small shapes? Do you love lots of chaos or lean toward calm?
-
We will FINISH our painting(s) – using our intuition, color and design knowledge, and materials to apply “final touches” (Saral transfer paper, pan pastel, electric tjanting tool, etc). Critique at end of day!
SPECIAL DISCOUNT for Workshop Attendees
On day 1 of our Mulranny Workshop, I will give a presentation on Color and Design, which are the backbone of the Visual Language of Art alphabet, to help provide a “roadmap” of who you are and what you wish to say in your art.
This “Powerful design and Personal Color” presentation aligns with my online course – which I’m offering $100 off for those who haven’t taken it and who wish to take this prior to this Encaustic Workshop (or after). This course focuses on working on a series of 16 paintings with 4 limited palette; the concepts I this course are applicable to all 2D mediums. Most of the demos are in cold wax/oil, with a few in acrylic medium, but this course is not about any one medium, but rather, what is applicable and vital to successful composition in any 2D medium.
About Pamela
Pamela Caughey grew up in Wisconsin, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from UW-Madison in 1983.
After moving with her family to Hamilton, MT in 1986, she began her serious study of art, and in 2010 received her MFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Montana School of Art. Her work is in the permanent collection of several museums and public buildings nationally and internationally and also appears in the newly published book by Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin, “Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts, Conversations”. Here encaustic work has been featured in the Encaustic Art Institute Encaustic Arts Magazine (Winter 2018 issue). After teaching foundations courses at the University of Montana, Bitterroot College, Montana, she is now a full-time studio artist and has a global online Art School at: www.ARTandSUCCESS.com.
Reviews
From Our Host Lora
You are warmly invited to stay a while.
We invite you to imagine standing on the panoramic hillside of our studio, taking in the spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s holy mountain).
Open your heart to the profoundly moving drama of constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting an ever changing light show on the bay. The wildness and drama of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.
Lay on a blanket in the heather and watch the stars emerge on a clear night or walk along the rocky shores, to gather shells, driftwood and memories. Find yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life, feel the mystery and beauty of this land, awakening your senses.
This unspoiled place provide a safe place of inspiration and experimentation to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working on, in an amazing state of the art studio..
Join us in Mulranny, Ireland.
Dream about the history of past times, evident in every field with old stone walls, every stoic castle and each abandoned cottage.
Local Villages
Meet the local people, warm, friendly and always happy to chat and share a story or a cup of tea. Shop in our local village of Westport and pop into a local pub or two!
Connect with Nature
Finding something to inspire you is not hard with the richness of the various eco systems surrounding Mulranny - from marine to mountain landscapes, with grasslands, bog and heather hills - this enchanted land casts a spell on any artist.
Enriching Excursions
Visit historic sites. Learn about the infamous Irish Pirate Queen and visit one of her many castles. Hear the story of our Stone Age ancestors and experience the myths and magic of Irelands spiritual roots while standing in one of the ancient stone circles. This is indeed a land of legends!
Find Your Inspiration
Bring your camera, your sketchbooks and prepare to lose your heart in it all, your mind full of inspiration.
Your Time with Pamela
Your 8 days will be a beautiful blend of studio time, delightful excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to rest and explore!
You can arrive, unpack your suitcase (and your art supplies) and truly relax, at the gorgeous Essence of Mulranny Retreat center, operated by artist, Lora Murphy.
We will be visiting enchanting villages, strolling along the beautiful coastline, touring ancient castles and ruins, picnicking in the heather fields and creating all along the way! The creative inspiration will be all around you!
Here is a general itinerary for your time in this magical place.
There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather usually but we will let you know.
Day 1: Arrival
We will collect you all at Westport Train station at 4pm and whisk you away to Mulranny, about 30 mins drive. After a champagne reception,we will gather for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM or DeBrun house.
Day 2: Studio!
The MAC studio will be open from 9am to 8pm and is a short walk from the residence areas Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.
We will serve lunch at 1pm each studio day at the MAC.
Day 3: Day Trip
This day is an all day trip to Achill Island. Lunch will be at a lovely little restaurant (your expense)
Dinner will be served back at EOM.
Day 4: Studio!
As above, and dinner will be at a lovely little pub in the Village (included)
Day 5: Studio!
We often have a special entertainment on this evening but it depends on availability. We will let you know.
Day 6: 1/2 Studio
1⁄2 Studio day and a trip to local attractions including Westport and the Old Irish Goat center. Dinner will be at the Famous Nevins restaurant (your expense).
Day 7: 1/2 Studio!
1⁄2 Studio day and finishing up work. Pizza party dinner with wine and sharing.
Day 8: Departure Day
The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 9:45 departure to Dublin.
Your home for the week.
This beautiful learning center is complete with well equipped mixed media/encaustic art studio, private bedrooms, a cozy gathering room with fireplace and group kitchen for those midnight snacks!
All meals will be included and prepared by an on-site private chef and will focus on delicious, healthy cuisine. For larger groups we house students in the village, in apartments with spectacular views.
September 20th - 27th, 2024
Methods of Abstraction in Encaustic
US$3295 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
US$3950 for a private bedroom & bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop instruction
Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
7 nights lodging
Transportation from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport and get a train to Westport where we will meet you to take you to Mulranny).
All meals except - 1 lunches & 1 dinner
All tour & excursion fees
New friends and an art tribe!
Not Included:
Travel costs / Airfare
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$500 deposit will secure your place.
It is advisable to have insurance to cover your travel to Ireland and to cover your workshop fees for your possible cancellation in the event of illness. There are no exceptions for this policy. Read the cancellation policy here.
$500.00
Accommodation:
Quantity: