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DYEING TO RUST


Gig Harbor, WA

August 4-6, 2022

It seems that people are “dyeing to rust” using my vast supplies of rusty goodness, so let’s do it! Join me in beautiful Gig Harbor, WA for a 3-day rusting/encaustic class (prior encaustic experience is encouraged).

My friend and fellow artist, Pam Nichols is the reason behind my beautiful collection. Not only did she gift me some of her rust when she and her husband moved to Australia, but she introduced me to Swift & McCormick in Redmond, Oregon where we picked through their vast mounds of metal. Believe me, it is swoon worthy.

Pam and some of my rust collection

Picking at Swift & McCormick

Both fabric and paper can be rusted and if you become addicted to it, you will find that it ends up in many of your creations whether encaustic paintings, journaling, even sculpting.

In this workshop you will learn how to rust on paper, fabric or even on your painting. You will have ample time to create a lot of rusted fodder for your art practice.

Artist Irena Ellis with just a handful of her rusted papers.

ITINERARY

Day One: Thursday, August 4

9:00 We will meet for introductions and I will go through the schedule. I will give a demonstration and then you will be let free to start making your rusty papers.

We will stop for lunch around 12:30, then return to prep boards and more demonstrations.

The day will end around 4:00

Day Two: Friday, August 5

9:00 We will start with what is my favorite part of the workshop - the unveiling. Here’s where you get to see what you created. While your papers are drying, you have time to set up another round of rusting. Once dry, you can begin to use your papers in your encaustic paintings.

Allyce Lees won for the most layers - 30+!

We will stop for lunch, then continue creating until 4:30 when we will break for appetizers and dinner.

Day Three: Saturday, August 6

9:00 We will finish rusting papers and your paintings, adding rusty bits if you so desire.

We will break for lunch around noon, then back in the workshop to finish up. Around 3:00, we will start cleaning up and then we will share our work.

COVID

You must be vaccinated in order to attend this workshop and you will need to take a rapid test at least two days prior to the workshop. Your card and negative test will need to be shown to Bellissima Art Escapes in order to join the workshop. Thank you for your cooperation and for considering your fellow artists.

THIS ESCAPE INCLUDES

  • Three days of instruction by Kathie Vezzani

  • Use of metal collection

  • One 12” x 12” cradled board

  • Hot plates

  • Butane gas for torches

  • Nitrile Gloves

  • Chip brushes

  • Encaustic medium and some encaustic paint

  • One dinner, three lunches

  • Facebook Private Page

  • New Art Tribe

The price for this workshop is $500 and does not include lodging or transportation. Fee is due upon registration.

The workshop is limited to 10 

Gig Harbor, Pix by John Vincent Palacio

The picturesque town of Gig Harbor is the location for this workshop. Listed as one of the most desirable cities in the US to visit (or to live), it is located just across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, WA on the way to the Olympic Peninsula.

It is south of Seattle and the SEATAC airport. Transportation to Gig Harbor from the airport - Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter stops at two locations in Gig Harbor, the Inn at Gig Harbor or Purdy Park and Ride. 

Accommodation: There are many Arbnbs and B&Bs in Gig Harbor. Here is a link for more options

STUDENT SUPPLY LIST

  • Bring encaustic paint - 3 or 4 of your favorite colors in tins with brushes,
    1 or 2 Hake 1.5" or 2" brushes

  • Your favorite tools

  • Apron

  • Rusty Items (if you desire) to use for rusting or assemblage

  • Natural papers such as silk tissue paper, mulberry paper, rice papers or cotton papers. Thinner paper works best in incorporating into the encaustic paint.

  • Butane torch head such as Iwatani (we have some to share)

  • Two 10 x 10 gessoed panels 1 1/2 deep or encaustic boards

  • One 12 x 12 gessoed panels 1 1/2 deep or encaustic boards

  • Any other materials you like to work with for mark making, etc.

  • Box of waxed paper

Micki High unveiling her rusted fabric

Pam demonstrating how to rust on top of an encaustic painting

Earlier Event: July 26
LET'S FLY WITH GEOFFREY GORMAN
Later Event: August 10
CREATING TOTEMS WITH MORGAN BRIG