2024–2025 Workshops
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2024–2025 Workshops ~
The Figure and Cold Wax
Feb 21–23, 2025
Palm Desert, CA
SOLD OUT
Intermediate to Advanced Level Students
The beauty and rich quality of a cold wax painting is created with multiple layers that create a history of color, value and texture. In this three-day workshop, Melinda will demonstrate how to create those layers with multiple tools and techniques while focusing on figurative work. Many cold wax artists work with pure abstraction, however this medium can be used with realist images as well. Learn the various techniques that can apply to and enhance both approaches.
See why a cold wax painting is not the same as a “traditional” oil painting. Learn to embrace the surprises and unpredictable results that can happen with this medium while, additionally, learning methods to help you control it. Surprises with cold wax are part of what make this medium so exciting and fun!
Appropriate for intermediate to advanced students. Medium: Oil and cold wax. Water-based oils may be used. Melinda does not teach cold wax with acrylic paint.
PRESENTED BY:
Capturing Color & Composition:
The Figure & Cold Wax
A Five Day Immersive Workshop
March 24 - 28, 2025
San Miguel de Allende, MEXICO
About This Advanced Workshop:
Melinda Cootsona and Jerry McLaughlin team up again for this five-day intensive workshop exploring composition, color, and the human figure, with cold wax and oils.
Learn the power of harmonizing your color through limited palettes and deliberate color interactions.
Develop your composition skills with the figure, focusing on tension, balance, unity, and more. Recognize and avoid common problems.**
Workshop Topics Include:
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tension and balance
variety and unity
pattern, movement, and rhythm
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the importance of edges
symmetry - asymmetry
character and unity
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the joy of limited palettes
understanding color and value
the dynamics of neutrals with saturated colors
local color and reflected color
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$1695 USD
Fee includes daily lunch (5 days), transportation to/from studio, and $100 materials fee
**This is NOT a beginner class. This workshop is for artists with prior experience using cold wax medium and prior experience with the human figure who want to take their work to a deeper level.
“Having two perspectives to demonstrate techniques and concepts gave a confidence to follow objectives and license to push boundaries in our work.”
Beautiful studio space with rustic character and fabulous light.
An aerial view of San Miguel with its famous Paroquia and Jardin Allende.
Inspiration Starts Here!
June 27–29, 2025
Palo Alto, CA
Intensive In-Person Daily Workshop
Medium: Oil or Acrylic ▪ Level: Intermediate
Do you struggle with finding subject matter or with staying inspired to paint? Have you thought about exploring different subject matter? Join Melinda in this fast paced workshop where we work with multiple subjects including landscape, still life, figure and abstract to re-ignite excitement in your own work. We will start each morning with “Spark it!” projects to get your creative juices flowing and continue with afternoon painting sessions where Melinda will focus on each individual student.
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Image to abstract - Using a photo to inspire loose abstracted paintings.
Flattening a Floral - Distorting perspective to create a unique still life.
Faces and Masks - Creating expressive and intuitive faces.
Abstract with Color - Focusing on color to create abstract compositions.
And more…
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Experience with landscape, still life and abstract painting
New ideas for creating a painting routine
Inspiration for new and different approaches to your own work
Renewed confidence
The fundamentals of composition and color
Exposure to contemporary and historic artists who will inspire your work
PRESENTED BY:
Inspiration Starts Here!
September 9 –12, 2025
Glastonbury, Connecticut
All Inclusive Retreat Workshop
Medium: Oil or Acrylic ▪ Level: Intermediate
Do you struggle with finding subject matter or with staying inspired to paint? Have you thought about exploring different subject matter? Join Melinda in this fast paced workshop where we work with multiple subjects including landscape, still life, figure and abstract to re-ignite excitement in your own work. We will start each morning with “Spark it!” projects to get your creative juices flowing and continue with afternoon painting sessions where Melinda will focus on each individual student.
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Image to abstract - Using a photo to inspire loose abstracted paintings.
Flattening a Floral - Distorting perspective to create a unique still life.
Faces and Masks - Creating expressive and intuitive faces.
Abstract with Color - Focusing on color to create abstract compositions.
And more…
-
Experience with landscape, still life and abstract painting
New ideas for creating a painting routine
Inspiration for new and different approaches to your own work
Renewed confidence
The fundamentals of composition and color
Exposure to contemporary and historic artists who will inspire your work
$1144–$3220 USD*
*Fee includes: Workshop Tuition, lodging, dinner 2 nights (welcome and farewell), breakfast and lunch each day, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer. Materials fee will be added to your package.
PRESENTED BY:
