Introduction to Cold Wax

Introduction to Cold Wax

Instructor: Jeani Gustafson

In this class students will work with cold wax medium and oil paint. They will learn to mix the paint with cold wax and various ways the paint can be applied to a substrate (canvas, paper, board). The process will be intuitive, which may lead to an abstract or representational painting.

Participants will work on two paintings simultaneously using a triadic color scheme. They will apply and compress the paint in many layers. Techniques taught will include masking out areas, using stencils, carving out areas and impressing textures. In addition, Students will work with silicone applicators, palette knives, and brayers.

Date:  March 15, 2025
Time:  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: SRAL Studio
Maximum Number of Participants:  15
Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class
Students to provide: Apron, gloves that fit, paper towels, and an open mind

Artist Statement

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE IDEA

Some ideas just pop up – an absolute mystery. Sometimes inspiration for an idea is obvious:

• Words and common idioms ignite a mental image. I love reading, listening and talking.
• Human movement and interaction are inspiring. People-watching is a favorite pastime.
• The beauty of the earth is a constant source of imagery. I try to see it all.
• Art materials inspire me, generating a need to create. My collection is growing.
• Development of one idea fuels another. My ideas work themselves out in series.
• Some ideas are generated in an intuitive process as the artwork develops.

Translating my mental imagery to visual imagery is a challenge in which I become totally absorbed. I consider all the materials available to me and experiment with new techniques. I am convinced I will always be enslaved to the exploration of art.

Biography
My personal life is that of a small-town farm girl. I grew up on a farm in central Nebraska where creative thinking was required to entertain yourself. I was constantly building, coloring, and creating. We made sand cities, hay forts, tree houses, snow creatures, etc. I learned to sew, cook, draw and paint from my mother. I experimented with any art materials I could get my hands on. During my decision-making years (What do I want to be when I grow up?) I explored a future in many areas but was always drawn back to art. The need to create just kept pulling on me.

My formal art studies began at Hastings College in Nebraska where I was first introduced to three-dimensional art in sculpture and ceramic classes. I was captivated. After receiving my bachelor’s in art I found my studies continued daily as I experiment to solve problems presented by each new piece.

I owned and operated the Main ARTery Gallery and Frameshop in Ulysses, Kansas which opened in 2006. The Gallery was organized as a cooperative and served as a display and sales area for area artists. It also served as my studio and guest studio for classes and workshops.

Currently, I have retired from marketing artwork. I am enjoying the exploration of a creative desire without the demands of business and marketing. I am an active member of the Santa Rita Art League as well as the Clay studio in Green Valley. There, I enjoy interacting with other artists and become absorbed in each new creative adventure.