FLOWING LIGHT: Alcohol and India Ink Painting on Encaustic

Watch how Shary details techniques to explore the fluidity, luminosity, vibrance and capricious nature of alcohol inks and Indian inks on encaustic.

Excerpts From the Course

Over 45 minutes of instruction for just USD $60.00!

Course Summary

Explore the unparalleled fluidity, luminosity and vibrance of alcohol inks and Indian inks on encaustic. Join Shary to learn a myriad of techniques to combine your creative inspiration with the capricious nature of these paints as they dance into unexpected shapes before your eyes.

Experiment, and learn how to collaborate in flow with these inks to create alchemical magic!

This class is designed for encaustic painters with some wax experience (must be able to prepare a smooth wax surface).
* Please note: Flowing Light lessons are remastered videos that are included in Painting with Fire 2020/2021

Part One

  • Introduction 
  • Studio set up and safety   
  • Overview of Tools and supplies
  • Learning the nature of Inks   
  • Alcohol ink techniques on Yupo paper   
  • India ink techniques on Yupo paper    
  • Creative Process – Enhancing found images, Intuitive painting   
  • Dip Pen detailing using India Ink      
  • Resource List pdf 

Part Two

  • Archival Concerns and UV exposure 
  • Pigment- versus dye-based inks 
  • Lightfast testing 
  • UV Protecting Yupo paintings 
  • Encaustic Surface preparation 
  • Experimenting with inks on encaustic 
  • Materials and technique comparison- Alcohol vs. India inks 
  • Fusing

Part Three

  • Alcohol ink on Encaustic
  • Techniques and effects (cell formation, crackle, etc)
  • Metallics   
  • Fusing and torch flame control 
  • Removing unwanted marks 
  • India ink on Encaustic – techniques and effects   
  • Differences between India and Alcohol inks   
  • Dry brush techniques   
  • Fusing    
  • Crackle effect   
  • Enhancing the coloured wax surface   
  • Cleaning tools   
  • Disaster Days - How to revive “failed” paintings   
  • Incorporating other mixed media materials and tools   
  • Painting textured surfaces – Accretion    
  • Wax writing tools  

Part Four

  • Creative process – Exploring Your Muse 
  • “Inexorable Growth” series 
  • Earth - Air- Fire - Water 
  • Conclusion
  • Resource References 
  • Continuing Education
  • Outakes!

Shary Bartlett

Shary Bartlett is an artist living in Vancouver, Canada. Her mixed media body of work includes encaustic, acrylic, fibre arts, prints, sculptural assemblage, collage and altered photographs. 

She has been a long-time Fine Arts instructor at national and international colleges, universities, art schools, and with online masterclasses.

Course Curriculum

Hear What People Are Saying About Shary Bartlett's Courses

Very informative, explained and demonstrated

"This is the most comprehensive tutorial I've seen on using hot tools. It's very well done with lots of information and the demonstrations are easy to follow"

Ed T.; Review of LUSCIOUS LINES: Writing with Encaustic Wax Tools

Great Class!

"Wonderful class. Very informative and the resourses section is nice to have for a quick reference."

Stacy C.; Review of LUSCIOUS LINES: Writing with Encaustic Wax Tools

Lots of good info!

"Best video on how to use encaustic hot tools. Shary really spells it out so you can see which tools will work best for the lines you want to make."

Jane K.; Review of LUSCIOUS LINES: Writing with Encaustic Wax Tools

Good Class, thanks Shary!

"This was a helpful overview of various hot tools and techniques for encaustic painting."

Leslie S.; Review of LUSCIOUS LINES: Writing with Encaustic Wax Tools

Such an Informative Course

"I learned so much from this course and my encaustic surfaces are so much better now that I have implemented some of your tips. Thank you!!"

Katherine C.; Review of SMOOTH: How to Create Glassy Encaustic Surfaces course

"Shary is an inspired and inspiring artist and instructor. Her many students, both beginning and experienced artists, give her rave reviews and ask when they can take another course with her!"

Coordinator, Continuing Studies Division, Capilano University 

"One of our most respected instructors at Langara Continuing Studies Visual Art for many years, Shary brings a fresh and thorough approach to her teaching with a variety of exciting and innovative courses. Shary has an engaging and informative approach that students find both educational and fun at the same time".
Jeff Burgess

Coordinator Visual Arts and Commercial Illustration,
Langara College Continuing Studies

"Shary's workshop was a really enjoyable, educational day. I learnt an incredible amount about the art of encaustic and left with a piece I can hang on my wall. Shary was knowledgeable about her subject and able to impart that knowledge with ease. She was wonderfully generous with materials. A day well spent and a class I can highly recommend."
Leanne Bishop

Ruby Dog's Art House

"I really enjoyed Shary's class. It was exactly what I needed to feel motivated and excited about art again. She is a wonderful teacher. I have been an adult educator for thirty years so I don't say this lightly."
D.L.

Student

"After having taken several art courses at the college level, I found this class to be above and beyond what I have taken in the past. The instructor was excellent. Excellent course. The instructor was very well-organized and very giving of her time and knowledge."
C.M.

Student

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course as it gave me the opportunity to express myself freely and to explore new ideas in a safe and creative environment.
B.W.

Student

Become Your Own Alchemist

Explore the unparalleled fluidity, luminosity and vibrance of alcohol inks and Indian inks on encaustic. Join Shary to learn a myriad of techniques to combine your creative inspiration with the capricious, shape-shifting nature of inks as they form unexpected images before your eyes.

Experiment, and learn how to collaborate in flow with these inks to create alchemical magic!

You'll Learn About

  • Studio set up and safety 
  • Tools and supplies  
  • Alcohol and India ink
  • Inks on Encaustic
  • Surface Preparation and Ink Effects
  • Fusing
  • Trouble Shooting
  • Creative process
  • Resource list 

Over 45 minutes of instruction
for just USD $60.00!

Reviews