Testimonials

I had the good pleasure of taking an encaustic painting workshop from Elise Wagner this past weekend. It was exactly what I wanted and expected. She is a very knowledgeable and able workshop teacher. She answered every single question from painting technique to the business side of art. Her demonstrations were very thorough and easy to understand. On top of all that Elise is a very nice person and has no ego. I felt like I was at a old friend's studio, learning about art, not with someone I had just met. I highly recommend Elise Wagner's workshop to anyone interested in learning about encaustic painting. -Charles Ivy, Nashville, TN

What a fabulous experience!  When you think your ready for that next step up, or are just ready to be inspired, Elise is the perfect person to bring it forth.  My time in her workshop was more than educational, it was like having a personal art retreat.  She catered to everyone's individual interests and needs.  I was able to 'play' with all the tools and materials in her studio and learn how to incorporate them into my own style.  It will save me from years of trial and error. -Kelly Williams, Portland, OR

Elise is an incredible teacher, and made learning the ancient art of encaustics welcoming and practical. I learned what it takes to make an encaustic painting, and the paint we used was actually made by Elise herself from pigments found in the earth!! On day one we were making wonderful and completed paintings. By day two, the end of the workshop, I had completed another larger encaustic painting I was really proud of. Working in Elise's studio provides an excellent space for creative exploration and all the professional tools were readily available. Elise Wagner's Encaustic Workshop provides a tremendous amount of information and techniques, but not once did I feel overwhelmed or stifled. If you want to learn encaustic painting, I recommend Elise's workshops without reservation. –Elizabeth Blau, Las Vegas, NV

How often do you get the opportunity to learn an ancient art from an accomplished modern artist? I love Elise's work and her weekend immersion workshop gives even the most novice of artists, encouragement and a better appreciation of how she produces her beautiful works of art. Encaustic may be a great medium for a beginner, but it's inspiring to see a master at work. -Lisa Adams, Washington D.C.

While teaching at Red Deer College, I wondered into the encaustic studio after class. The results that Instructor Elise Wagner is able to achieve from wax was sophisticated and elegant. Elise invited me to try out the encaustics; the experience has me hooked and I will be experimenting with her new brand of paints! "
 –Jean Pederson Mixed Media Artist and Author of “Expressive Portraits: Creative Methods for Painting People”, North Light Books, Calgary, Alberta Canada

Elise was welcoming, thoughtful, informed and inquisitive in our private clinic.  She shared her history with encaustics, her process of making encaustics, resource materials for further research.  Shedemonstrated her processes and many technical advices to achieve specific effects.  She allowed for demonstration and then personal
practice of the techniques.  She was open with her knowledge and offered plenty of opportunity for questions and discussions about difficulties. After six hours of workshop time, I felt empowered to practice independently.  I would consider another session in the future to buildon my gleaned skills and recommend Elise for her knowledge, experience, ideas, technical advice and teaching skills. – Ginny Sampson, Shanghai International School

I worked very hard before booking a private lesson with Elise Wagner.  I wanted to understand the medium as well as I could so that I could get the most out of the day.  It became quickly obvious that Elise is a natural teacher and it would not have mattered what previous experience I had, it would have been an amazing day. I was more interested in watching Elise work than working on a piece of my own.  I wanted to ask her, an artist with so much integrity and experience, questions about studio set up, preparing substrates, colour build up and working on larger pieces.  Elise was so generous.  She gave me the answers to questions I didn’t even know to ask!  I’m still absorbing everything that she shared with me. -Marilyn Wallace, Vancouver, British Columbia

Elise Wagner’s passion for encaustic is obvious and infectious. She is a skilled teacher who also provides the all-important point of view of a working artist. Working under Elise’s guidance has catapulted my knowledge about the world of encaustic painting, and provided me with the confidence to further develop my new skills. The off-site workshop was a wonderful opportunity to learn encaustic painting in a in-depth fashion that would have otherwise not been accessible in our area. Thank you Elise for bringing encaustics to our doorstep!
-Carole Andree’ Dobson, Toronto, Ontario Canada

“I’ve had the pleasure to take one of Elise Wagner’s workshops. My daughter and I had a blast. Let me tell you, you will learn some super creative techniques as well as ROCK SOLID basics. Elise is an excellent teacher. I’ve never been the best listener/learner and she got through to me. Elise’s studio is a treat, safe, sound and oh so intriguing. Give yourself a present and take a workshop.”
-Barb Geiner, Portland, OR

"Elise is not only one of the finest encaustic artists around, she's also a gifted and charming instructor. She makes it possible to learn a complicated process without undue frustration, offering options, support, suggestions and humor in a way that makes the hours fly. She had to coerce us to stop for lunch, and when we left it was with smiles and a completed project we could be proud of."

-Jeanne Toal, Portland, OR

"Elise is an amazingly talented artist in encaustic painting which in itself is inspiring to her students. But not all talented people can or are willing to share their art with others. Her Full Day Comprehensive was all that I wanted and more. I had tried encaustics on my own and even took a class from someone else but it is Elise that has taught me the basics to encourage my exploration in my own direction. I am taking the Weekend Comprehensive next month and everyone in the class signed up as well. Her products are wonderful as well. I hope everyone that wants to learn encaustic painting has an opportunity to experience Elise's classes."

-Peggy Giza, Walla Walla, WA