Success Secrets: Choosing the Right Image for Photo Encaustic Art
$23 USD
- Instant Access
- Lifetime Access via Download
- Less than the cost of a ruined panel and an afternoon of wax.
Learn to See Before You Choose
One of the most common places artists get stuck isn’t in the wax.
It’s before they ever begin.
Which image should I use?
Why does this photograph work—but that one doesn’t?
Why do some images sing in encaustic while others fall flat?
Choosing the Right Image was created to answer those questions—and to help you stop second-guessing before you even start.
This focused mini-course teaches you how to recognize which photographs are truly suited for the encaustic process, so you can begin each piece with confidence instead of doubt.
A Strong Piece Begins With The Right Image.
In Choosing the Right Image, you will start to understand how to evaluate photographs specifically for photo encaustic—using clear examples and practical guidance.
One of these images translates beautifully into wax. The other fights the process the whole way. You’ll learn to tell the difference before you start.
You’ll come away from this course being able to:
— Recognize why one photograph sings in wax and another falls flat
— Understand how contrast, simplicity, and composition affect encaustic outcomes
— Choose images with confidence instead of guessing
— Save yourself the time, wax, and heartache of starting pieces that were never going to work
— Walk away with printable references to keep at your worktable as you go
This isn’t about rules. It’s about learning to see more clearly.
There isn’t one universal answer, either. What makes a strong image for mounting directly to a board is different from what makes a strong image for embedding a tissue paper print — and different again for photo inks transferred straight onto the wax.
This course walks you through what to look for with each of the three techniques, so you’re choosing with the technique in mind — not guessing your way across three different processes with one set of rules.
About Clare O’Neill
I’m Clare, and I came to encaustic as a photographer — and that’s the lens I teach through. For more than a decade, I’ve taught artists around the world how to combine photography and wax to create layered, meaningful work with depth and intention.
One of the most common challenges I see—regardless of skill level—is image choice. Artists often struggle not because of technique, but because the photograph itself isn’t well-suited for the encaustic process.
That’s why I created Choosing the Right Image: to help you understand what works, why it works, and how to begin each piece with confidence before wax ever touches the surface.
This course is ideal for you if:
- You struggle deciding which images to use
- You’ve started pieces that never quite worked and don’t know why
- You feel unsure whether your photographs are “right” for encaustic
- You want stronger results before adding layers or complexity
- You want to build confidence at the very beginning of the process
Whether you’re brand new to photo encaustic or have been working for years, image choice is a skill that benefits every artist.
This course may not be a good fit if:
- You’re looking for a rigid checklist or one-size-fits-all formula
- You’re not interested in slowing down to evaluate your images
- You don’t work with photography in your encaustic process
This is a thoughtful, visual course for artists who want to make intentional decisions—not quick guesses.
“This course completely changed how I approach my photo encaustics. I used to waste so much time on pieces that never worked. It was totally trial and error and I never really understood why some came together and some did not. Now I understand what to look for in my images before I begin, and my confidence and success rate have improved dramatically.”
— Jane Newton
Start Strong — Before the Wax
This is where encaustic work stops being a guess and starts being intentional — fewer abandoned pieces, a lot less frustration.
Enroll in Choosing the Right Image and begin every piece with confidence instead of doubt.
You’ll stop asking “Will this work?”
And start knowing why it will.
Instant access. Begin whenever you’re ready.
Lifetime access, download all content — $23 USD
Less than the cost of one ruined panel and an afternoon of wax.
The material covered in this mini-course is taught in greater depth in The Artistic Image, my beginner-friendly online photo encaustic course. If you’ve previously enrolled in that course, you’ll find this material in your course downloads. To learn more about the beginners photo encaustic e-Course, The Artistic Image, click here.
FAQ's
What is this course about?
Choosing the Right Image focuses on how to select photographs that work well for photo encaustic. The course helps you understand which images translate successfully into wax—and why—so you can start each piece with confidence.
Do I need experience with photo encaustic to take this course?
No advanced experience is required. This course is suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike. If you work with photographs and encaustic (or plan to), the concepts will be immediately useful.
Will this course teach encaustic techniques?
This course is not about wax techniques. Instead, it focuses on the decision-making stage before you begin—specifically choosing images that set you up for success once you start working with wax.
Why does image choice matter so much in photo encaustic?
Not every photograph wants to become an encaustic piece. Image choice affects contrast, depth, layering, and how well the photograph integrates into wax. Choosing the right image saves time, materials, and frustration later in the process.
Is this course useful if I already have experience with encaustic?
Absolutely. Many experienced artists find this course helps clarify why certain pieces worked and others didn’t. It strengthens your foundation and improves consistency across your work.
What kind of images does the course focus on?
The course focuses on photographic images intended for photo encaustic, with an emphasis on mood, simplicity, contrast, and visual potential rather than technical perfection.
How long do I have access to the course?
You’ll receive instant access upon purchase and can watch the course at your own pace.
Is this course downloadable?
Yes. All of our courses are downloadable and are accessed on your computer.
Is this course refundable?
Due to the nature of digital content and immediate access, all sales are final.