You will need heated tools to work with encaustic.

I guide you through various options and price points in the first two sections. It doesn't have to be expensive, I literally started with a baking tin and a heat gun when I began with wax & damar! I didn't want to invest in lots of equipment until I knew I definitely wanted to continue with it... which of course I did. That said, it can be expensive, especially if you make lots of mistake buys, like I did in my early days...! I share all of this and more inside the course.

To give you an idea, people have used equipment ranging from old travel irons, to expensive large hotplates. I talk about the things you'll want to consider when sourcing your equipment, especially thermostat gauges, and considering the scale and the size at which you want to work.

Perfect! You'll have no pre-conceived ideas of what you think you can or can't do, and I'm sure you'll be delighted with your results!! I've run workshops with people who claim not to be able to draw a straight line, through to professional fine artists, wherever you're at in your creative journey, if you're feeling the pull towards encaustic, trust it and follow your intuition.

It doesn't have to be, although it can be! I'd recommend putting a table and floor covering down if you're concerned, but many people paint with wax from home quite happily. If you're worried about any mess, start with the iron or stylus on a smaller scale, and expand as you get used to how the wax moves and behaves. I also talk about how to keep the wax in place so it's not splashing all over the floor inside the course!

Many many people use encaustic in their art studios, and homes, so yes, it is safe... when applied with some common sense guidelines.

In an ideal world, you would have a full extractor system to remove any wax fumes, would never use any powdered pigments, have a full risk assessment for burn potential... so yes, there are a few risks, but no more than cooking your dinner every evening! I share how to navigate these areas, and apply a good dose of common sense.

Never use containers or kitchen equipment you've used for encaustic, for cooking after, always keep them separate.

You want to make sure you have good ventilation, and be very mindful of how hot your wax is. I share how to do this in detail in the first two sections; how to tune in, visually, and through smell, to recognise if your wax is too hot... and what to do if it is. We also use kitchen thermometers to help you to learn your temperatures, and how that looks. I also include temperature charts, and a quick at a glance guide to print off and keep in your workspace.

I also cover a number of other considerations, such as powdered pigments, cold wax, and linseed oil, just be aware of them, you can then choose which methods to paint with, or to avoid those all together.

No, not at all...! If you have a desire to be creative, then this course is for you! I've had teenagers working through their Duke of Edinburgh Awards with this course, through to Grandparents looking for a hobby at home. I've also had A Level art students, professional fine artists and complete newbies to encaustic, who have embraced it with full gusto and gone on to sell their work. The content is designed to meet you wherever you are at on your creative journey. The videos are quick and easy to follow along, you adjust what I'm sharing according to the scale, size and quality you want to work at.

Some people are concerned that there's more information than they'll ever need or use inside this course. What I've noticed time and time again, is that there are big gaps in peoples encaustic knowledge. Also lots of misunderstanding about the different types of waxes, and just basic fundamentals. This course covers all of those foundations, and a lot more. It's also why I include the Lower Heat Art & Magic of Encaustic course as an extra bonus. By understanding these basics, they enable you to know the rules and therefore when you can bend them, or not!

I also see people start painting with wax, then totally getting the bug, this course is going to have everything you'll need to get you off to a flying start and leave you with endless options and ideas to explore, which you can dip into again and again.

I do have smaller courses, and my Wax Works Membership, but this course will give you confidence knowing you have all the basics covered.

Yes, on signing up, you will be sent your login details, and be granted immediate access to the course content. The Art & Magic is a self study course, so you can work through the content at your own pace, and return to it time and time again.

You will find information about my Wax Works Membership, and 1-1 Zoom sessions once inside the course, these are my paid spaces that are designed to provide maximum support on your creative journey, with Live Zoom Sessions, and a Members Group to ask questions and share progress throughout the month.

If you want support straight away, there's a 50% off your first month discount code on the payment page, otherwise, head inside the course and allow it to all unfold.

You're also welcome to join my Free Facebook Community or e-mail me direct to ask questions or send photos, I will aim to get back to you as soon as possible, but as this course is a self study course, please be aware that communication and responses will be limited.

Please drop me an e-mail: julie@artyheaven.com I'll happily answer (and if you have the question, it's likely somebody else does too, so I can add them here!)