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Deep, Personalized Guidance in Clare O’Neill’s Studio

Minneapolis, MN

Sometimes the most powerful learning happens one-on-one — not because the teacher is brilliant (though she is :)), but because your work finally gets the time, attention, and thoughtful reflection it deserves.

In this private workshop experience, you and Clare will work closely to explore your images, refine your process, and make meaningful progress on the encaustic work you care about most.

Designed for intermediate to advanced artists with foundational encaustic experience, this focused studio experience:

—Honors your creative process—

—Meets you where you are—

—Helps you see what’s possible next—

Why a Private Workshop Matters

Group workshops offer community and shared energy — which are invaluable. But there’s something uniquely transformative about learning in a one-on-one (or very small private) setting:
You get real-time feedback, targeted instruction, and room to experiment without pressure. Techniques become personal. Decisions become intuitive. Doubts become discoveries.

This isn’t a general demonstration — it’s a creative conversation tailored to your work, your questions, and your artistic direction.

In a private workshop, you’ll see Clare’s process up close, ask questions as they arise, and explore your ideas in a way that’s simply not possible in larger groups.

Workshop Details

  • Format: Private, in-studio 1:1 workshop 
  • Duration:Typically 2–5 days, designed around your goals 
  • Location: Clare O’Neill’s studio (details provided upon registration)
  • Experience Level: Any level welcome
  • Cost: $645 day (includes materials + lunch)
  • Dates: email info@PhotoEncaustic.com for availability

 

Additional details regarding materials, studio setup, and arrival information will be shared after registration.

Workshop Objectives

By the end of this experience, you will:

  1. Clarify your vision for one or more encaustic pieces
  2. Refine techniques related to image, wax, and surface
  3. Understand the choices that deepen meaning in your work
  4. Build confidence working with materials and scale
  5. Leave with actionable next steps for your ongoing practice

This is not just a class — it’s a turning point in your artistic journey.

If you’re ready for focused attention, personalized guidance, and a workshop that revolves around your work, this private experience may be exactly what you need.

Reserve your private studio workshop and begin your most meaningful work yet.

What You’ll Explore

Every private workshop is different — because every artist’s journey is different. But across sessions, you’ll explore:

  • Choosing and preparing photographic images for encaustic
  • Printing and embedding tissue paper or image transfers
  • Approaching scale and composition with clarity
  • Solving technical challenges specific to your work
  • Building intentional layers and developing surface vocabulary
  • Troubleshooting stuck points and expanding your creative vision

 

This is a process-forward experience — not a formula — and it respects both your voice and your pace.

Are you Ready for:

+ A clearer vision for your work and your process +
+ Personalized techniques you can repeat in future projects +
+ Greater confidence in your artistic decisions +
+ Momentum — not just information +
+ A renewed sense of creative possibility +

Underwater Images Reimagined in Wax

Who This Workshop Is For

This private workshop experience is ideal if you:

  • Have basic experience with encaustic and photo encaustic
  • Are ready to move beyond fundamentals and refine your practice
  • Want individualized attention on your images and questions
  • Thrive with direct, thoughtful feedback and hands-on guidance
  • Are ready to slow down and work with intention

Who This Workshop Is Not For

This experience is not designed for artists who:

  • Are brand new to photo encaustic
  • Want only short tutorials rather than in-depth exploration
  • Are looking for a lecture-style or DIY experience
  • Prefer group learning over individualized instruction

What to Bring / What’s Provided

You’ll want to bring:

A selection of photographic images you’d like to explore
Any reference materials or inspiration related to your current work
A list of questions
A notebook for ideas, observations, and process notes


Provided for you:

Substrates and all necessary materials
Step-by step instructions and handouts
Demonstrations, guided instruction, and personalized feedback
A focused, supportive environment designed for deep creative work

Lunch each day

FAQ's

What is a private photo encaustic workshop?
A private workshop is a personalized, in-depth studio experience designed around your work, questions, and creative goals. Unlike group workshops, this format allows for focused instruction, real-time feedback, and the flexibility to explore what matters most to you.

Who are private workshops best suited for?
Private workshops are ideal for intermediate to advanced artists who already have experience with encaustic or photo encaustic and want individualized guidance to deepen their practice, refine technique, or work through specific challenges.

Where do private workshops take place?
Most private workshops are held in Clare O’Neill’s studio. Workshops can also be arranged at other locations by request. Details are confirmed during scheduling.

How long is a private workshop?
Private workshops are typically scheduled for two to five days, depending on your goals and availability. The length of the workshop is customized during the planning process.

What topics can we cover during a private workshop?
Each workshop is tailored to you, but common areas of focus include:

  • Image selection and preparation
  • Working with tissue paper prints or transfers
  • Layering, surface development, and scale
  • Troubleshooting technical or creative challenges
  • Clarifying artistic direction and next steps


Do I need prior experience with photo encaustic?
No. Private workshops can be tailored to where ever you are at in the process of learning the photo encaustic process. 

What materials do I need to bring?
A detailed materials list will be provided in advance. You’re encouraged to bring photographs, works-in-progress, and any favorite tools or materials you regularly use. Studio equipment and materials will all be available.

Will you come to my studio?
For private workshops that involve travel outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, the rate is $795 per day, plus applicable travel expenses. Travel details and costs will be discussed and agreed upon prior to confirmation.

What dates do you have available?
Get in touch at  info@photoencaustic.com to start the conversation and we will determine dates that fit both our calendars.  

Can I share a private workshop with another artist?
Yes. You’re welcome to share the workshop experience with one additional artist. Because of added materials and meals, the rate for a shared private workshop is $695 shared per day. Please let us know in advance if you’d like to arrange this option so we can plan accordingly.

Can I reschedule a private workshop?
Because workshop time is reserved specifically for you, rescheduling options are limited and handled on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability.

How is payment handled?
Payment is required to reserve your workshop dates and is securely processed. All payments are non-refundable once confirmed, as time is reserved in advance.