Encaustic Layers with Mixed Media w/ Leah MacDonald

Leah MacDonald_featured image 2026

All Levels | TBD Materials and Studio Fees*

This workshop will demonstrate how to use photography, painting and drawing with encaustics. We will explore various techniques to use imagery and materials in between encaustic layers. The emphasis will be in understanding tools and materials such as encaustic medium, encaustic gesso, pigment sticks, photographs and lightweight papers to add depth and abstract imagery to your artwork. Leah will share tips and techniques to enhance your interest in encaustic and improve your understanding on how to make poetic and evocative work with encaustic. We will start in the beginning with basics for beginning panels, underpainting, gesso, collage and then more in-depth instruction on fusing, painting, adding texture and surface painting with the encaustic. There will be new lessons for the intermediate encaustic artist and many take aways for the beginner to start their encaustic art practice.

Prerequisites: Basic painting skills, photography (even with iPhone), collage and interest in text and design.

*Materials and studio fees are charged to students based on studio usage and materials Touchstone is providing at the request of the instructor. Additionally, some instructors may also require that you bring certain materials and tools with you, in which case a list will be provided. Final cost of these fees will be posted at least two weeks ahead of the workshop to be paid in full prior to check-in.

2026 Instructors

Leah MacDonald_studio shot
Leah MacDonald
Drawing/Painting Studio Instructor