Beyond the Basics
Working Large: Tissue Paper & Photo Encaustic
June 12 - 14, 2026
Minneapolis, MN
A focused 2.5-day immersive studio workshop
This is an advanced, semi-private workshop limited to just two participants. It’s designed for intermediate to advanced artists who want to move beyond the basics and deepen their skills working with tissue paper prints in photo encaustic.
About the course
This semi-private, in-person workshop—limited to just two participants—takes place in Clare O’Neill’s studio, offering a rare opportunity for focused, hands-on learning and meaningful conversation around process, materials, and creative direction.
Internationally known artist Clare O’Neill shares her approach to printing photographs on tissue paper and embedding those images into layers of hot beeswax. Clare is widely recognized for her signature process of tiling multiple tissue paper prints together to create large-scale, luminous encaustic works rich in depth, movement, and visual cohesion.
Working with non-traditional papers such as tissue paper requires more than technical skill—it demands an understanding of how photographs behave in wax, how layers interact, and how intentional choices shape the final piece. In the studio, you’ll see these decisions unfold in real time, ask questions as they arise, and receive direct, thoughtful feedback tailored to your work.
This immersive workshop addresses the key challenges artists face when working with tissue paper: choosing the right image, printing successfully on delicate papers, and embedding imagery into wax in a way that feels integrated and resolved. The semi-private format allows time and space for deep exploration, experimentation, and personal guidance—supporting work that is dynamic, nuanced, and deeply satisfying to create.
Workshop Details
- Format: Semi-private, in-person studio workshop
- Group Size: Limited to 2 participants
- Duration: 2.5-day immersive workshop
- Location: Clare O’Neill’s studio (details provided upon registration)
- Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced photo encaustic artists
Additional details regarding materials, studio setup, and arrival information will be shared after registration.
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 notebook for ideas, observations, and process notes
Provided for you:
Large 24 x 24 inch substrate
Plenty of one-on-one time with Clare
Encaustic workspace and shared studio equipment
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 on Saturday and Sunday
Ready to Work Deeply in the Studio?
If you’re an experienced photo encaustic artist ready to slow down, refine your process, and work at scale with confidence, this workshop is for you. With only two spots available, this is an intentionally intimate learning experience.
Reserve your place and join me in the studio.
You will learn
What you need to know about paper selection
You’ll learn how to choose your paper and what to look for when making your paper selection. No longer will you be confused about labels like acid free and buffered. We’ll talk about the properties of the paper, coatings, and how tissue will behave when incorporated into encaustic.
How to Create Backgrounds that are amazing
You’ll explore different ways and ideas to create an interesting background for your tissue paper print. This process lends itself to multiple layers and luminosity. This module brings it all together. Learn how your background is the beginning of a piece with loads of visual interest.
Selecting and Preparing your images
You’ll learn the importance of choosing an image for this process and why not all images are suitable. Clare will walk you through how she isolates and manipulates her images for embedding in encaustic.
Best practices for printing on tissue paper
You’ll learn exactly how to print your image on tissue paper for bet results. We’ll talk about printers and inks and the things you need to keep in mind when printing on tissue to avoid drag marks and crumpled papers.
Tips and tricks for embedding tissue paper
You’ll learn the tips and tricks to embed tissue and make it look integrated into the piece and not just sitting on top of the wax. We’ll talk about what to do with air bubbles and how to hide the edges of the tissue as well as how to embellish the image once it’s embedded.
Tiling Your images for large panels
Tissue paper has the advantage of being able to create large pieces without having a large format printer. You’ll learn how to divid your photo and print n multiple piece. We’ll talk about tips to bring the seams of several images together and then how to hide those seams so it becomes seamless
Are you Ready to:
+ Add more visual interest to your work +
+ Take your artistic expression to the next level +
+ Try something new and exciting for your artwork +
+ Dive deeper into your craft +
+ Push yourself out of your comfort zone +
+ Find your groove working with tissue paper images +
+ Go BIG and work on a larger scale +
Who This Workshop Is For
This semi-private studio workshop is designed for artists who already have experience with photo encaustic and are ready to deepen their work.
It’s a great fit if you:
- Have prior experience working with encaustic and photography
- Want to refine your skills using tissue paper prints
- Are curious about working larger and tiling multiple images
- Value hands-on learning, real-time feedback, and studio immersion
- Are ready to slow down, experiment, and work more intentionally
This workshop is especially well suited for artists who learn best by seeing techniques demonstrated up close, asking questions as they arise, and receiving personalized guidance in a small group setting.
Who This Workshop Is Not For
This workshop may not be the right fit if you:
- Are brand new to encaustic or photo encaustic
- Are looking for a basic introduction to the medium
- Prefer large, lecture-style workshops with minimal interaction
- Are not interested in working with tissue paper prints
If you’re new to photo encaustic, you may want to begin with a foundational course before attending this advanced, studio-focused experience.
About Clare O’Neill
I’m Clare, a photographer, mixed-media artist, and educator specializing in photo encaustic. For over a decade, I’ve guided artists around the world in combining photography and wax to create work that is layered, expressive, and deeply intentional.
Along the way, I discovered that many artists hesitate to work at scale—not because they lack passion, but because the technical challenges of large panels and big images can feel overwhelming. That insight led me to create the beyond the basics course in Working Large: Tissue Paper and Photo Encaustic, a focused in-person course that helps artists approach larger formats with confidence, clarity, and practical know-how.
My teaching is rooted in real studio experience and a belief that technique should support—not limit—your vision. Whether it’s choosing the right image, understanding how photos interact with wax, or navigating the logistics of working big, my goal is to help you make thoughtful decisions and enjoy the process from start to finish.
Join me in Minneapolis
June 12 - 14, 2026
Workshop Cost $785
(includes $100 material fee)
A $100 materials fee includes one 24×24 inch substrate, tissue paper prints, encaustic medium, oil paints, pigment sticks, PanPastels, oil pastels, and a variety of additional materials required for the process.
FAQ's
Where does the workshop take place?
The workshop will be held in Clare O’Neill’s Minneapolis home studio. Full location details will be provided after registration.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for artists who want to take their photo encaustic work to a deeper, more refined level. Working with non-traditional papers such as tissue paper requires both technical understanding and a strong sense of layering, imagery, and surface development. This workshop is ideal for artists ready to explore that intersection.
How much encaustic experience do I need?
Participants must have prior experience working with encaustic. This is not a beginner workshop. Foundational topics such as substrates, basic wax application, fusing, and pigment use will not be covered. If you are new to encaustic, I recommend starting with an introductory online course (such as my online The Artistic Image course) or a beginner workshop before enrolling in this experience.
Do I need prior experience printing or embedding tissue paper?
No. All participants will be guided through the tissue paper printing and embedding process so everyone begins with the same foundational understanding of this technique.
I’m not a photographer—can I still take this workshop?
Yes. You don’t need formal photography training. You simply need images you enjoy working with and the ability to transfer your images from your camera or phone to a computer. I’ll guide you through selecting the right images, preparing them for tissue paper printing, and embedding them into wax.
Do I need to bring materials?
A detailed materials list will be sent prior to the workshop. The studio is fully equipped for encaustic work, and we’ll review setup, safety, and workflow together at the start of the workshop. You’re encouraged to bring photographs you’re excited to work with, along with any questions or challenges you have related to tissue paper printing and image embedding.
Should I bring any personal supplies?
Most materials will be provided. However, if you have favorite tools, colors, or mark-making materials you enjoy working with, you’re welcome to bring them. A list of what’s provided will be shared several weeks in advance.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
Yes. Please bring your own laptop to the workshop. You’ll be working with your images during the image selection, preparation, and printing stages, and having your own computer ensures you can follow along easily and apply the process to your own workflow. If you don’t have a laptop, don’t worry there will be one available in the studio.
What if I don’t have a laptop?
If you don’t have a laptop, please bring your images on an external hard drive or USB flash drive so we can access and work with them during the workshop.
How large will we be working?
We will primarily work on one 24 × 24 inch panel during the workshop.
What if I don’t want to work that large?
That’s perfectly fine. If you prefer to work smaller, accommodations can be made. Just let us know in advance so appropriate panels are available.
What is the workshop schedule?
- Friday: 6:00–9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
How will I get my artwork home?
If you’re traveling by air, we can arrange to take your finished piece to a UPS store for professional packing and shipping at your expense.
Where should I stay?Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. After registration, you’ll receive suggested lodging options and arrival information to help with planning.
How is payment handled?
Payment is securely processed via PayPal and can be made using either a PayPal account or a credit card.
What happens after I register?
Within 24 hours of registration, you’ll receive a welcome packet with all workshop details. If you don’t see this email, please contact info@photoencaustic.com.
Still not sure if this workshop is right for you?
You’re welcome to email info@photoencaustic.com with any questions. I’m happy to help you decide if this is the right fit.
What is the cancellation policy?
We have a firm cancellation policy.
Cancel before March 29: Refund minus an $85 administration fee
Cancel between March 30 – May 28: Refund of $367.50 (50%)
Cancel between May 29 – June 12: No Refund
In the unlikely event that the workshop is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, all fees will be refunded in full. This decision will be made at least 30 days prior to the workshop. Cultural & Destination Specialists, Inc., d/b/a Taylor & O’Neill, is not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations or medical emergencies.
