Online Photo Encaustic Photography Course | Photo Encaustic with Clare O'Neill

The Artistic Image

Turn Your Photos Into Unique Artwork

February 17 – March 28, 2025

A 6-week online photo encaustic class for beginners

Join in a group of other like-minded artists to learn the basic techniques of photo encaustic,
hone your signature style, and create stunning pieces of art.

About the course

If you love photography and want to create images that people are drawn to, then this course is for you. This is a guided step-by-step course that walks you through the photo encaustic techniques. Clare will be with you every step to answer all your questions and give you feedback when you need it. You’ll get all the tips and techniques necessary to be successful.

YOu’ll develop confidence in your artistic skills and discover how creating one-of-a-kind images can be less daunting than you think.

You can choose to work in a manner that suits you, whether that be joining along in the classroom and discussions or working on your own. You’ll have two months to access the classroom, but you can download all the materials to your computer for lifetime access.

Included in the course:

• 6 weeks video tutorials
• Training materials
• Fun assignments
• Downloadable worksheets
• Exclusive access to vibrant community of like-minded artists

• Course price $347 (USD)

During the 6-weeks you’ll be part of a vibrant international community of creative artists all willing to share advice, tips and encouragement. This is a unique online experience that feels just like taking an in-person photo encaustic workshop…..only you get to keep the lessons and videos for life.

Lessons

1

Thinking Differently

The course will begin with learning the essentials of encaustic painting, what materials and tools are used, who the masters are and how to get a sense of your own style. We’ll discuss what you like and shat you don’t like and what draws you in. There will be lesson on what types of photographs work best for the encaustic medium and how to work with wax.

2

Painting Your Photograph

In this week you’ll learn how to print and mount your images, why paper selection is so important, and techniques for printing. We’ll cover substrates (including supports and grounds), various techniques for laying down and fusing the medium, and ways of painting your photographs using encaustic paints, dry pigments, oil sticks, oil paints, oil pastels and watercolor.

3

Working with Special Effects

Be inspired to create special effects by using techniques such as masking lines with tape, inlaying wax, intaglio, layering and scraping, embedding objects, shellac burn, smooth and textured surfaces.

4

Embedding Non-Traditional Papers

We’ll explore the idea of collaging by starting with embedding non-traditional papers. Covering first how to build up layers of wax to create different backgrounds for embedding your images into.

5

Photo Transfers

We’ll dive further into collaging and incorporating photo transfers into your work. We’ll look at create smooth surfaces before transferring your image to the wax.

6

The Finishing Touches

We’ll finish up with how to care for encaustic pieces, various ways to sign the work, and multiple demonstrations on the various techniques and how they all come together.

About Course Creator

Clare is a professional photographer, experienced photo encaustic artist and passionate teacher.

She teaches about using photography as a tool for re-awakening creativity and self-expression while taking your photographs to new dimensions and creative possibilities.

Through her popular online and in person programs and workshops Clare provides support, inspiration and strategies to photographers all over the world who are looking to expand their artistic vision through the encaustic medium.

To learn more about Clare go here.

FAQ's

What kind of supplies will I need?
This is a mixed media class so you will need a variety of supplies. I’ve broken the list down into two parts, the essentials and the extras. Upon registration you’ll be granted access to the classroom page where you can download a comprehensive suggested materials list along with an option to purchase a class kit. If you’d like an idea of what’s needed click here.

Do I need to be a computer Whizz to do this program?
No way! As long as you have access to the Internet, have an email account and can view videos on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, you’ll have no problem. The membership website is very easy to use and you’ll get all the support you need to access the materials. If you’d like to participate in the closed Facebook group you will need a personal Facebook account, but this is entirely optional.

When does the course start?
The course starts February 17, 2025. You do not have to be present the entire time. You can download all the course material (once it has been released each week) and continue at your own pace.

I’ve never taken an on-line course before. Are the classes live? Are there certain times that I need to be available?
Since there are so many international students who take the course, there is no time that is convenient for everyone. Each week a series of pre-recorded videos will be released along with practice projects and downloadable cheat sheets. The first three weeks the videos will build upon each other. The final three weeks will include options for incorporating different effects with your image. There are no set times you need to be available and you can login whenever you want to access the course content until 2 weeks after the course has ended.

Do I have lifetime access to the course?
Yes. However lifetime access is on your desktop. You will have 2 weeks after the completion of the course to download all materials to your desktop. After this period of time, there will be a fee to access the information.

How will the content be delivered?
Each Monday you will receive an email with a link to the lessons for that week. Here you will find a password-protected classroom with instructional videos, downloadable information and resources. You will also have the option of joining our private Facebook group. You will be given assignments and plenty of time to play and ask questions.

How long will the information be available?
You will have access to the material forever if you download it to your computer. I will be an active participant in the class Facebook group only during the course, but afterwards you will have an option to join a larger alumni Facebook group that you can continue to connect with artists and myself for feedback and inspiration long after the class ends.

Will I need high speed internet to access the videos?
Short answer: Yes.

Is the class size limited?
Yes, but I believe in an active community of artists to share and learn from each other so I promise it won’t be too small.

How much time is required each week?
You’ll get out of the course what you put in. You’ll receive material each week. Nothing is required. Most of photo encaustic is getting the feel of the wax and experimentation. You may choose to do it all at once or in parts throughout the week. I recommend setting aside 3-4 hours per week (the same as an in-person course.)

How are payments handled?
Payment is securely processed via PayPal and can be made using either your PayPal account or your credit card.

What can I expect once I register?
Upon registration you’ll receive a welcome email from me along with information on how to access the classroom. If you don’t receive this please check your spam filter. You will receive a unique login to access the classroom immediately where you will find information on setting up your workshop, safety, materials, and an invite to join the private Facebook community.

Do I have to participate in the Facebook Group?
No. The Facebook group is entirely optional, but it is the best forum to ask questions and learn from each other. The class is not designed to be 1:1 instruction, but rather a group learning experience. Asking your questions in the Facebook forum allows everyone to learn from your question as well as for you to receive information from other students who will no doubt have a wide range of suggestions and insights.

When will the course be offered again?
The class is usually offered in March and October (but every once in awhile there is a summer course offered.)

Throughout the six weeks you’ll be encouraged to keep thinking about your own personal vision and how this process can be used to enhance your photographs (where you are a professional photographer or just like taking photographs with your iPhone) and inspire you to create art.

By the end of the program you’ll have more skills, greater creative inspiration and you very own art to hang in your home or gallery.