A fellow artist once told me that any mark is better than no mark, and that advice has served me well. In this class we’ll pair encaustic painting with a variety mark making materials including ink, watercolor, and my favorite “instant stamps” to avoid that dreaded blank canvas as you begin new work.

These techniques will allow you to add gestural marks at any point in your creative process to add more more spontaneity and personal expression to your work, whether or not you usually work with encaustic. All supplies will be provided.

>> Learn more and register here!

There are several exciting ways of adding texture to your encaustic paintings and we'll explore a few of them in this class.

You can build up texture by painting through different materials onto your wax, using special brush and knife techniques to build up sections of your surface and specialty tools to remove others. All supplies will be provided and most students leave class with 1-2 finished projects.

>> Learn more and register here!

>> Join me for a live encaustic demo on Jan. 9 to discuss the materials and methods of working with Encaustic and Photography. View class examples for my 4-week class, “Your Magical Lens”.

For those of you who are just getting started, I'll also demo the basics of working with encaustic so you can get your questions answered. Join the interest list here to get the Zoom link. I hope to see you there!

Studies have shown that making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones in the body, and can be a way to express emotions and release feelings of tension. I’ll share how I do this with quick sketches.

Sketching can take many forms, so let’s find what’s right for you. Join me to learn my 90-second sketching technique which makes this accessible to anyone with even the most basic materials. This is a fun way to capture memories from a trip, relax at home, create with friends, and capture ideas while they are still fresh.

>> Learn more and REGISTER HERE

Working with encaustic wax paint is a magical way to create one-of-a-kind, handmade ornaments and magnets that make lovely gifts for any occasion! Join me in my private studio to create something beautiful for yourself or for your family and friends.

Learn more and register here.

No painting or drawing experience is necessary for this beginning encaustic class. You can collage with wax instead of glue to incorporate thin papers, fabric, and beads and even add pastels once you get used to working with the wax.

We will use techniques involving collage, painting, and layering using wax in an assortment of vivid colors. Don't worry if you haven't tried anything like this before, the medium is very forgiving.

>> Learn more and REGISTER HERE

Photographers seem especially drawn to working with wax because of the variety of ways their images can be reborn in a new medium. Working with encaustic expands the traditional methods of hand coloring photographs, also allowing you to easily add texture.

>> Learn more and REGISTER HERE

I’m thrilled to host Lora Murphy as our guest teacher for this class, joining us from Ireland!

Ravens were the favorite bird of the god Lludd, the Celtic god of artists and artisans who had two ravens in his company at all times.

They are intelligent and playful and feature in so many Celtic myths and stories. This is you chance to paint your own studio companion!

I’m thrilled to host Lora Murphy as our guest teacher for this class, joining us from Ireland!

Many people would like to try portraiture in encaustic but are unsure of where to start. This Workshop will take the mystery out of it, but not the magic! Her step-by-step instruction will show you how to approach a portrait or figure, from the initial drawing to the final highlight.

FREE Artist Talk about our travels on Saturday, Feb 24 from 2pm - 3pm
LK Gallery, 3535 North Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR, 97227

In support of their January/February show called Winter Light, featured artists Linda Robertson and Kimberly Kent offer a talk about how and why they create while traveling. They’ll share images and stories from their their painting trips to Ireland, France, and Hawaii. Whether you're creating overseas or in your own back yard, art adventure awaits!

Join me for a free talk to share photos, videos, and stories from my two trips to Ireland last year.

My talk will be followed by an informal Q&A for those who are interested in joining me for my epic 8-day Embracing Magic art retreat in Ireland this June.

This year will be my fourth trip to Ireland, and our hosts at Mulranny Arts make it really easy. Your lodging, studio instruction, and insightful tours with a local guide are all included during the retreat, along with most meals and more new friends than you’ll know what to do with!

Celebrate with me as we begin the new year with hope and peace. I’ll be sharing art that inspires you to take a moment for yourself, make space for others, and remember that darkness never lasts.

RESCHEDULED: Join me for coffee and conversation on Thursday January 25, from 1 - 3 pm.

A group exhibit featuring 12 Portland artists who shared their work here in 2023. Please join us for an evening of amazing art and fellowship.

Salon Style Discussions by Dan Pillars on Creating Art Communities
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 6 - 8 pm

Join me for a FREE virtual class in creating Lively Lines, where I’ll share some of my favorite encaustic line techniques using tools you are likely to already have in your studio. Start the year off right with some new inspiration!

Visit my Lively Lines page to join in the fun.

I’m excited to be back for another show at Arrowood!

>> Join me for my artist talk on Wednesday, December 20 from 6 pm - 8 pm for great food, a great happy hour, and to support a great art community. Our discussion will be about taking unintended paths toward creativity in our lives, with examples from my own circuitous path.

Click the image for more details. I hope to see you there!

It's (close to) my birthday, but you get the present: I'm having a big Studio Sale & Treasure Hunt! I need more room to paint, so I'll have many large and small paintings priced to move. I'll even encourage you to make an offer if you have a favorite that you can't quite afford. There will also be framed prints, note cards, and some great deals on paint and art supplies!

Please RSVP here if you are planning to join us.