Applications open through October 31!

Where Art, Energy, and Earth Converge

The EC residency program offers artists a dedicated sanctuary to immerse themselves in their practice, deeply connect with the medium, and work in harmony with the changing seasons. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, our compound integrates vibrant studio spaces with an urban farm and perennial gardens, creating a unique ecosystem where creative energy can be displaced, transformed, and brought to life.

We invite dedicated artists who are ready to dive into exploration, community building, and deep creative focus to apply for our upcoming residency sessions.

Residency Details & Expectations

• Studio & Living Space: Residents receive dedicated studio space equipped for your best expressive output, access to The EC grounds, and integration into our unique creative community.

• The Living Campus: Our residency beautifully marries artistic output with environmental stewardship. Residents are encouraged to enjoy and interact with our on-site urban farm and perennial gardens.

• Selection Process: Applications are reviewed with a focus on artistic commitment, a desire to explore the layering and depth of their chosen medium, and a readiness to engage with the energy of The EC.

Application Process

To apply for a residency session, please complete the two-step process below:

• • Submit the Application Form: Fill out your details and project proposal using the form below.

  • Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable $30 application fee is required to process your submission. Your application will be reviewed once both the form and payment are received.

More information and application here!

https://www.pbsartist.com/event/wax-in-winter/

WAX, IN WINTER, AT THE EC

An Intensive Studio Retreat for Six Artists

Exploratory experimentation is a way through and forward—in studio practice, in material discovery, and in life itself.

Intimate Cohort: Strictly capped at 6 participating artists

Material Rigor: Featuring Enkaustikos wax mediums & Natural Pigments raw earths

Fully Hosted: All studio materials, tools, and retreat dining included

Dynamic Space: Open-ended morning exercises & table/palette dialogues

In this 2-day workshop artists will be introduced to painting and collage using the ancient hot wax-based material Encaustic. Beeswax is a wonderful adhesive. Learn how to create complexly layered artwork using R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic as your “glue”. We will use fabric, photos, and our own drawings along with pigmented Encaustic paint. We will even add images with Laser copy transfers and direct drawing. Learn how versatile this quick-curing re-workable medium can work for you in your artistic practice.

Day One: We will learn about the basics of Encaustic painting, its adhesive properties and how R&F’s opaque and transparent pigments are used intentionally in creating composition. We will use a variety of tools that take advantage of Encaustic’s unique physical characteristics. We will be layering, scraping, incising, fusing and of course adding in a variety of collage elements.

Day Two: We will focus on final surface embellishments, including adding Pigment Stick oil paint, stencils, Pan Pastels, Xerox transfers and various drawing materials to give our pieces visual depth and complexity.

Students will gain:
A basic knowledge of Encaustic Painting with an emphasis on adding other absorbent materials into the paintings along with various embellishment techniques, including oil and dry media.

Suitable for all levels, no experience necessary! Ages 16+
This workshop is in collaboration with R&F Handmade Paints.

Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Studio 5
$330 ($270 tuition & $60 lab fee)

Instructor: Leslie Giuliani

December 5, December 6, 2026

Tuition: $270

Lab Fee: $60

$330

Register Here

https://woodstockschoolofart.org/course/intro-to-encaustic-and-collage-6/

THE ALCHEMY OF INK — LIVE, in person — November 5–12, 2026 — San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

A 6-day art retreat exploring zen painting (sumi-e), encaustic monotypes, and brushmaking — crafting your own tools from natural Mexican materials. No prior encaustic experience required.

Instructors: Elizabeth Schowachert (elizabethschowachertart.com), sumi-e and encaustic monotype artist and brushmaker with over a decade of teaching experience across the U.S. and Asia, and Gabriela Sanchez (gabrielasanchezarte.com), a Mexico City–born artist with a background in textile design and a master’s degree in visual communication. Gabriela’s practice centers on the line as a storytelling element — drawn, stitched, or implied — bridging ink painting, textiles, and mixed media in work that moves between paper, fiber, and wax.

Location: Casa de la Noche, a restored historic inn steps from the Jardin in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Includes: full instruction in all three techniques, materials for guided practices, cultural visits (Atotonilco, Fabrica La Aurora, local galleries), and a final public group exhibition. Intentionally limited to 12 participants.

COST:
– Full retreat: $3,800 USD — includes 7 nights at Casa de la Noche, breakfasts and specified meals, and round-trip airport shuttle from Leon (BJX) or Queretaro. Single occupancy available for an additional $800.
– Local option (San Miguel-area residents): $2,950 USD — workshop only, November 6–11; lodging, meals, and transportation not included.

Full details and itinerary: https://gabrielasanchezarte.com/alchemy-of-ink/
Registration: https://forms.gle/ncjC8PPZf3uiGjHu8

Focus: Mixed Media & Encaustic Monotypes

October 28, November 4, 11, & 18, 2026 / Wednesdays, 1PM – 3 PM CST (or the corresponding time in your time zone).

Live online! This course developed and taught by Paula Roland builds confidence in adding most any medium to encaustic monotype prints. Work with R&F oil stick, pencil, charcoal, inks, watecolor and most any dry or wet materials that you likely have in the studio.   Why learn online? Everyone has a good view; you work from the comfort of your own studio between sessions, and attend the Zoom wherever you have wifi. We have tech help if needed; You save a bundle by not traveling!

Learn practical strategies to resolve prints without overworking 

• Problem-solve compositions
• Enhance prints: add focal points and unify disparate elements
• Incorporate calligraphy, text, transfers, or encaustic pours 
• Experience both bold mark-making and delicate, intricate line work
• Add monotype collage on or off the heated pallet
• Learn Paula's special methods to create sharp lines and edges, and so many other ways to make your work stand out.
• Includes monotype review and handouts!

Make your encaustic monotypes sing! Experimental and fun! Grow your practice with new skills and techniques taught nowhere else.

From Paulas 30 year practice of teaching encaustic and monotype, she knows that most artists who take a monotype class know only a few approaches to the process. They become frustrated -- it's like singing a one note song. In her courses she shares the experimental approaches that have led her to create numerous bodies of work in this process. Check out her portfolio at https://paularoland.com                                                          Questions? email paularolandstudio@gmail.com

Develop your personal style and voice thru fun and stimulating prompts and creative mark-making exercises. Watch and discuss Paula's demo videos and share works with others. Then apply what you learn and make your works more complex and particular to you.

All sessions are recorded with 3 months access. All levels and experience accepted -- just know the basics of encaustics.

Paula Roland began her journey with encaustic monotypes in the 1990's and quickly became the go-to expert. Through her inventive and large scale works and the creation of the Roland HOTbox, she elevated the international profile of the process. She was presented the La Vendeenee award for Innovation from the International Encaustic Artists.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE!

Fused: Pastel + Encaustic Workshop

2-Day Encaustic Monotype Workshop -  October 1 & 2, 2027 

Cost: $545.00 Tax & materials included

The horizon line (Metaphysically), represents the ultimate boundary where the finite physical world meets the infinite, symbolizing the threshold between human perception and the unknown. It embodies the idea of limitless potential, the bridging of the measurable and the immeasurable, and the continuous expansion of consciousness

Four Participants Max./class.

For Info & Registration send email to jorgeluisbernal@gmail.com

Abstracts in Nature - September 3^rd & 4^th, 10AM-4PM

Cost: $545.00 Tax & materials included

Painting Nature abstractions is an artistic approach that distills the natural world into its essential elements—colors, textures, and rhythms. Rather than rendering a realistic scene, artists focus on the underlying mood, energy, and organic forms, allowing viewers to interpret the essence of the landscape or flora.

Four Participants Max./class.

For Info & Registration send email to jorgeluisbernal@gmail.com

Encaustic Monotype - August 6 & 7, 2027-10AM-4PM.

Cost: $545.00 Tax & Materials included.

Landscape painting means transforming overwhelming natural vistas into clear, foundational design principles. By focusing on three core pillars—Line for dynamic movement, Form for structural depth, and Color for atmospheric light—artists can simplify complex scenes into bold, compelling compositions. 

Four Participants Max./class.

For Info & Registration send email to jorgeluisbernal@gmail.com

The Weight of Color - CWM/ Oil Workshop.

Cost: $545.00 Tax & materials included  

July 9 & 10, 2027 – 10AM-  4PM. 

The weight of color is the psychological perception of how "heavy" or "light" a color appears, it is a powerful perceptual phenomenon. It dictates how we intuitively balance compositions, guiding the viewer's eye to specific focal points before active cognitive processing even takes place.

Four Participants Max./class.

For Info & Registration send email to jorgeluisbernal@gmail.com