Encaustic Workshops With Bonnie Rychlak

Beginning March 18, artist Bonnie Rychlak will offer three hands-on workshops at the Parrish Art Museum exploring encaustics — an ancient technique of using hot wax and pigment to create multidimensional works. A practicing artist, she has presented work in several solo and numerous group exhibitions in various museums and private collections in the United States and Japan during the last four decades. Rychlak’s workshops begin with two sessions on the fundamentals of using the materials, followed by using the techniques to create work.

“The goal is to help build confidence with this complex material, helping to move the student’s abilities and imagination to a new level,” Rychlak explained.

Bonnie Rychlak graduated with a BA from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1973 and a MFA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976. She has received numerous grants and residencies, including Surnadal Billag A/S, Artist Residency in Norway; the Bogliasco Foundation, Italy; the American Academy in Rome; The Rockefeller Foundation, Bellagio Residency; and the National Endowment for the Arts in Sculpture.

Rychlak has had solo exhibitions in New York and Japan, among others, and recently exhibited at Duck Creek in East Hampton. She currently lives and works in East Hampton and SoHo in New York City.

Participants may register for individual classes and may repeat the fundamentals workshop to further hone their skills. Pre-registration is required. All workshops are $65 ($45 members) plus a $15 materials fee. Parrish Art Museum is at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. Visit parrishart.org to register.

Fridays, March 18 and 25, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Fundamentals of Encaustic Techniques

In these two classes, Rychlak will discuss the necessary tools, methods, and safe handling of hot wax painting. Students will explore rudimentary to complex two-dimensional methods of manipulating hot wax through demonstrations, discussions and experimentation. Through hands-on practice, participants will develop a basic knowledge of the material, learning how to melt, mix, and apply encaustic to create smooth and textured surfaces. Participants will also experiment with incising the wax, collage and transfers. The workshops will provide inspiration to explore the possibilities of this beautiful material that is challenging and highly gratifying to learn.

Friday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Beyond the Fundamentals: Abstract and Figurative Painting Using Encaustic

This class is suitable for anyone who has taken the introductory course in encaustic painting or any artists who have had experience handling the material. With little or no time spent on preparatory materials and techniques, the class will experiment with replicating existing encaustic paintings from ancient times and samples from contemporary encaustic paintings. For more experienced encaustic artists, the class provides an opportunity to explore advanced incising methods, filling practices and various options for mark-making, as well as some casting.