Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire
Painting with Fire

Painting with Fire


Masterclass: Encaustic Painting with Marieke Dench

In the heart of winter, gather in the warmth of cbOne Studios and discover the ancient allure of encaustic — led by the ever-enchanting Marieke Dench. Marieke, with her Fine Arts Degree from the Victorian College of the Arts and a 1st Class Honours Degree from RMIT, brings over 25 years of exhibition experience. Her diverse practice includes painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and architectural installation, making her the perfect guide for your artistic journey. 

What is Encaustic Painting?

Encaustic painting is a mesmerizing, ancient technique that brings color to life with heat. At its core, it involves melting pigmented wax, applying it to a surface, and then fusing each layer with heat to create a rich, luminous effect. The word encaustic comes from the Greek enkaiein, meaning "to burn in"—a nod to the process that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. 

What makes encaustic painting truly magical is its versatility. The wax can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, sculpted, textured, or even combined with oil paint for unique effects—offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression.

What To Expect:

  • OHS Training:  Create a safe and functional studio space for working with encaustics.
  • Equipment Skills:  Learn to choose and use the best encaustic equipment, including hotplates, heat guns, and gas blowtorches. 
  • Encaustic Painting Skills:  
    • Discover the most extensive range of handcrafted R&F Encaustic paints & mediums, including beeswax & pigment mediums and their opacity abilities. 
    • Be taught about a variety of supports as a base for your artwork – pre-primed boards, encaustic gesso boards, watercolour paper etc. Learn how to get the perfect encaustic base surface – fusing and hot iron tacking. 
    • Experiment with different brush types, encaustic paints, oil sticks, inks and other drawing materials.  
    • Learn how to create a wide range of textural surfaces – accretion, linen look, pigment dropping and scraping techniques. 
    • Learn a variety of collage and embedding techniques for prints, paper and objects into your artwork. Gain knowledge of how to transfer images from magazines, colour copies (of your own work) onto your support.  
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: From a professional artist 
  • Community: Connect and bond with fellow artists over a shared creative practice.  

WHAT TO BRING

  • Small cutting mat
  • Scissors
  • A variety of papers and objects. For example patterned serviettes, coloured Japanese paper, cotton, string, tissue paper (plain and coloured), dress making patterns, thin buttons, malleable thin copper wire, wood block prints, etchings linocuts etc. 

WHAT TO WEAR 

  • Closed toe shoes
  • Protective clothing you don't mind getting dirty

By the end of this class, you'll have developed your artistic skill set & gained creative confidence, have some wax gems to start you on your encaustic journey & throughly warmed your creative soul!

Details

Date: August 16th & 17th 

Time: 10am - 4:00pm 

Location: cbOne Studios, level 1/1B Marine Parade, Abbotsford 

Please contact us with any questions: [email protected] | +61 3 9415 8666


Details

You will learn

  • The fundamentals of encaustic painting

You will get

  • Tuition from experienced contemporary artist with your very own encaustic gem to take home & display with pride.
  • Learn and bond with others over a shared creative practice.
  • Help yourself to tea, coffee, and biscuits — our studio kitchen is open and stocked all day.

Appropriate for

Open to all levels


Preparation

What to bring

  • Small cutting board
  • Scissors
  • Please see class description for more information

What to wear

IMPORTANT: Please wear closed toe shoes and long pants. We are dealing with very hot wax.


Your Teacher

Marieke Dench is a distinguished artist with a Fine Arts Degree from the Victorian College of the Arts and a 1st Class Honours Degree from RMIT.  

With over 25 years of  exhibition experience, Marieke's diverse practice includes painting, encaustic painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and architectural installation. She has been the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Collie Trust Scholarship, the Silk Cut Award, and the Shell Fremantle Non-Acquisitive Print Award. Her work is held in numerous public and private collections, and she has undertaken major commissions in both sectors.  

Marieke's extensive knowledge and passion for encaustic painting make her an exceptional tutor and mentor. She is dedicated to helping students of all levels develop their skills and artistic confidence. Her classes provide a supportive environment where students can explore the unique techniques and possibilities of encaustic painting under her expert guidance. 

To see Marieke's work and learn more about her practice, see; 

https://www.instagram.com/mariekedench/?hl=en 

Organized by

Chapman & Bailey

Chapman & Bailey

21 reviews

cbOne Studios - Chapman & Bailey, 1B Marine Parade.

At Chapman & Bailey, we believe in nurturing creativity at every level. For more than three decades, our team has supported artists, students, and cultural organisations with high-quality art materials, expert framing, and specialist art services.

The workshops at our Abbotsford studio are designed to connect experienced and acclaimed working artists with individuals looking to ignite or expand their practice - all experience levels welcome.

Each workshop is shaped by the artist and their medium, crafted to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and introduce participants to new techniques and beautifully made materials from our carefully curated art materials store next door.

We’re passionate about creating a welcoming, generous creative community where people can learn from and with the best, experiment freely, and grow creatively.

(03) 9417 7957

[email protected] 


5.0 (2 reviews)
Fiona
Mar 2025
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Jessica
Mar 2025
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Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A transfer can be requested 5 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$50.00 applies.
  • A credit note can be requested 5 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$50.00 applies.

No changes will be allowed after these times.

Terms & Conditions

CB Studios cannot offer any ‘make-up’ classes, courses or workshops missed. 

Absences without notification will forfeit the full class/course fee and receive no credit. By proceeding with your booking you agree to our terms & conditions, and refund policy.

Should CB Studios be forced to cancel a class due to low enrolments, you will be notified as soon as possible prior to the scheduled class and will receive a refund, transfer or a credit voucher for a replacement class, course or workshop.

Collection of work and materials left at the studio: Please understand that our storage capacity is extremely limited.  Work and painting kits will only be retained for one month after which they will be disposed of.  

Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at Chapman & Bailey or organised by Chapman & Bailey must agree to these terms and conditions

1.) LIABILITY WAIVER

I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by Chapman & Bailey

2.) PHOTO & VIDEO

I agree to give Chapman & Bailey unrestricted publishing rights for any photographs or videos taken at Chapman & Bailey  classes and events or on Chapman & Bailey premises. (For use of Chapman & Bailey marketing materials).

For any questions or queries please email [email protected]

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