Encaustic Painting Workshop

July 17-18, 2026

Instructor Bio

Hélène Farrar is a contemporary American artist who works primarily in encaustic. Her colorful paintings draw themes from both the natural world and her observations of people, and they have depth and luminousness achieved through careful attention to texture and surface quality. She considers her work part of a conversation about humanity, beauty, and nature. Farrar’s unique style is playful but also serious. "I’m very serious about my silly work," she says. "I take it very seriously."

Her work as an educator has brought her across the state of Maine and beyond. In Maine, she is actively teaching at the Farnsworth Art Museum, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Waterfall Arts, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Hélène is the President of New England Wax.

Workshop Description

Whatever your interest, the light, the bold and grittiness of Coastal towns, or a simple end-of-day view, Hélène will walk you through creating your own authentic interpretation of the Maine landscape using encaustic painting. Mixing colors, color temperature, compositional design, surface design and abstract/realistic/ poetic interpretations whilst exploring safe and basic encaustic techniques.

Encaustic wax painting uses heated wax and pigments to create layered images. Artists are drawn to this quick-drying medium for its rich depth and ability to build up translucent layers. It's both a painterly and sculptural material in one, offering endless possibilities for texture, luminosity, and details.

Join instructor Hélène Farrar the Friday evening before for beverages and a snack on the deck at the Steel House overlooking Rockland Harbor to get acquainted and lay out the following day.

On Saturday, we will meet at Steel House in Rockland for a full day of painting, starting at 8:30 am until 5 pm. Class time will be divided between demonstrations, individual work time, and small group work. Students will create two to three 8 in x 10 in encaustic paintings inspired by the Maine landscape. Students will be encouraged and instructed in how to use a variety of approaches, including representational, improvisational, and intuitive.

Materials Provided by Instructor:

• Coffee, tea, water 
• All necessary encaustic paint and medium
• Starter panels 4 X 4, 8 X 10
• All consumable materials
• All encaustic tools

Student Supplied Materials: 

• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Ideas and sketchbook
• Collage items: any sort of porous flatware including a drawing, a photocopy of a drawing, interesting papers, journal notes
• A lunch and drinks
• Preferred drawing media
• Preferred panels specific to your own interests

More About Maine Craft Association

Founded in 1983, the Maine Crafts Association (MCA) nurtures and connects craft artists across the state through education, mentorship, storytelling, community events, artist promotion, and income-generating opportunities. With a membership of over 500 multidisciplinary artists and small businesses, MCA also engages makers, institutions, and the public, ensuring that craft remains a vital cultural and economic force in Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about transportation?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Hélène's studio space in Rockland.

What should I bring?

• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Ideas and sketchbook
• Collage items: any sort of porous flatware including a drawing, a photocopy of a drawing, interesting papers, journal notes
• A lunch and drinks
• Preferred drawing media
• Preferred panels specific to your own interests

Cancellations

The payment is 50% refundable in the event you have to cancel, as long as the cancellation is made 21 days before the trip. After that time, your payment is non-refundable. Alternately, 100% of your payment will be refunded if a replacement can be found prior to the trip.

This workshop needs a minimum of four participants. In the event the minimum is not met, we may cancel or offer to move you to a different workshop.