I hear it all the time: “But I don’t have access to a studio.”
And honestly? Most of us didn’t when we started.
Sure, if you’re creating a 36×36 photo encaustic piece loaded with texture, a dedicated studio definitely helps. But when you’re learning the foundations—when you’re discovering how wax, paper, and image all come together—you absolutely do not need a studio.
We all begin smaller. And smaller is more than enough.
You can learn the core skills of photo encaustics with simple tools and everyday items you probably already have in your home. In fact, many of the tools I rely on come straight from the kitchen aisle at Target. That always makes me smile—it’s a reminder that this medium welcomes beginners with open arms.
A basic setup is truly all you need:
A small table (20 x 36 inches is perfect), a cracked old skillet from Goodwill, an adjustable heat gun, chip brushes from the hardware store, a few tuna cans or small bread pans for wax, and simple window ventilation. Add encaustic medium, pigmented medium, some oil pastels, and a couple of your favorite mark-making tools, and you’re ready to go.
Nothing fancy. Nothing precious. Just a safe, practical workspace that lets you experiment.
And that’s the key—experimenting. Letting yourself try. Being willing to ignite creative curiosity even without a “proper” studio.
So please don’t let your space—or lack of it—stand in the way of learning this beautiful process. Photo encaustic is incredibly approachable if you start small and build as you go.
If you’re ready to dive deeper and learn the foundations step-by-step, my online course The Artistic Image: Encaustic Photography was designed exactly for artists like you. You can learn from your kitchen table, your spare bedroom, or whatever little nook you have—all at your own pace. The medium is seductive, transformative, and endlessly fun.
Give it a try. I think you’ll love it.
Explore the course here: https://photoencaustic.com/encaustic-photography/
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Does the lack of a formal studio space stop you from learning the process? For those of you who have learned the process where do you work?
Be well….be creative,
I have a small space in my basement where I work. I have a window right above my space and organize my materials and equipment to make it encaustic friendly. I wouldn’t know what to do with a big space to work : )
Although I currently do encaustic collage in a class studio setting, have found my ceramic cooktop useful for softening wax on small pieces so I can place inclusions and lightly adhere them. I am also considering using a frypan to hold small containers of wax for melting. There is a fan directly above the cooktop.
My apartment is very small, but I have set up my studio in my living room, sacrificing the sofa and TV (which I didn’t watch anyways). My set up looks like yours except I added a pancake griddle to warm the colored wax. I make quite a mess when I’m working but having it set up and right in front of me means I do it more.
What perfect timing Claire, I am just about to put together my studio in our heated workshop. Also I have to say how much I enjoyed your video that I purchased on photo transfers of large photos. Thank you so much for providing such an educational platform for encaustic!
I love when serendipity works Shawn…..glad you found this article at the perfect time for you. Good luck with setting up the studio. I also wrote a post on workplace safety that you should read if you haven’t done so already. https://photoencaustic.comclone2/how-safe-is-your-workspace/
I have a tiny enclosed porch off my kitchen and although I always pine for more space, I know I would just fill it with clutter. And I share with my grandchildren when they come to paint. The reward is my six year old grandson telling his art teacher that his grandmother is an encaustic artist and bringing my work in for show and tell.
Thanks for being a continuing inspiration, Clare.
I love this…..my studio is being renovated as I write this and I’m looking forward to introducing the grand girlies to wax. They are just about the right age!