OIL PAINTING CLASS IN THE CLASSIC ITALIAN VERDACCHIO METHOD

The old Italian masters used the Verdacchio method of painting. It is layers and layers of colors mixed with glaze to acheive a stain effect that creates depth and dimension on a 2-D plane. In this 8-week workshop, we will learn the basics of using oil paint. We will spend most of our time on one main painting, layering color each week, along with some side projects, so you can compare the varying processes of different applications within the same medium. This workshop is for beginners to advanced, although I would suggest having some experience with painting in general. It’s not necessary to have any experience with oils. We will learn how it contrasts with other paint media. Once you have registered for the class, I will furnish you with a supply list.

As with anything I offer, I will fold in check-ins and invite you to bring your whole person into the creative process, including mental, emotional, spiritual and somatic awareness. The creative process can be an experience where no part of yourself is excluded. We practice hospitality with ourselves and welcome whatever we may arrive with. My hope is that this class is more than just picking up additional technical skills to put in the tool box; though I hope that happens. On a deeper level, I know the creative magic happens when we can make space for the convergence of mind, body, heart and spirit, where nothing is ignored, judged or excluded, only noticed with curiosity.

When: Wednesday afternoons 3-5pm for 8 weeks in May and June, 2026

Where: 104 E Park Drive Building 300 Brentwood, TN.

Cost: $205 plus supplies (supply list upon registration)

ENCAUSTIC WORKSHOP

During this workshop, you will explore a variety of mixed media processes within the exciting realm of encaustic. Encaustic paint is an ancient medium composed of beeswax, damar resin and pigments. Worked from a molten state, this versatile paint makes richly colored paintings and is a superb vehicle for mixed media exploration. You will be introduced to the following basics of working with encaustic: using temperature controlled electric griddles as palettes, heating and fusing layers of wax with heat guns, making homemade encaustic medium, preparing painting surfaces, brush application of paint, creating a variety of encaustic surfaces, mark-making with a variety of tools, image transfer, and incorporating collage elements into your design. 

Materials List:

A variety of collage elements and photocopied or laser printed images (NO INKJET) - small, high-contrast images are the easiest to begin with. Some suggestions for collage materials include: papers (scraps are excellent) such as tissue, magazine images, newspaper, old prints/drawings, photographs, lightweight fabrics and thin scrapbooking papers. When selecting collage elements, look for materials that are somewhat permeable. Color, composition, texture, translucency and individual exploration will be emphasized as you transform your collage and image transfer elements into your own piece of art!

The remainder of the art supplies will be provided for you and are included in the cost of the workshop.  Just be sure to bring any special items from home that you have been saving and would like to use in some form of artistic application, such as the above suggested list.

Where: Fly Forward Studio, Columbia TN

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Time: Saturday Only 10-5

Cost: $150 Supplies included

Look below for a Saturday only option. Make sure you select Saturday only!

Hand Stitched Coptic Bookmaking

*****NOTE DATE CHANGE*****

June 27, 2026

Spend a few hours at my home studio learning how to make your own hardbound Journal. The Coptic binding uses hand-stitching, with an open binding that looks great, gives flexibility, allowing you to open the journal flat so you can fill pages with ease.

During this workshop, you’ll use beautiful materials to create your custom journal. The paper used for the book block (internal pages) is mixed media paper, which allows you to be creative within the pages, using different designs, including wet and dry media.

You don’t need to know anything! I will walk you through creating the covers, end papers, book block and adding your own custom signature, from start to finish. You’ll take home a beautiful, blank journal ready to use – or to give as a unique gift.

Location Fly Forward Studio in Columbia, TN

Please bring a sack lunch or eat before you arrive.

All Bookmaking Supplies Included.

Light snacks and beverages will be available during the workshop.

5-Hour Workshop

ADULTS & Teens

Saturday, June 27

12 pm to 5 pm 

$125 – includes all supplies and materials.