Fine Art & Encaustic Photography
WORKSHOPS
Juxtaposing Materials
A Mixed Media Encaustic Workshop with Leah Macdonald & Wayne Montecalvo
March 20 & 21, 2027 - Philadelphia, PA
Juxtaposing Materials is an experimental mixed-media workshop exploring what happens when unexpected materials, images, ideas, and processes are brought together.
Working with photography and found imagery, collage, stained and altered papers, fabric, found objects, and other collected materials, participants will explore ways of combining these elements with encaustic paint and wax, watercolor, pigment sticks, India ink, powdered graphite, drawing materials, and more. Through layering, embedding, transferring, painting, drawing, scraping, and altering surfaces, we will build works that evolve through both intention and discovery.
A central focus of the workshop will be juxtaposition—placing materials, images, marks, and ideas beside one another to create new relationships and unexpected meaning. We will experiment with both planned and intuitive compositions, allowing room for chance to become part of the creative process. Rather than always beginning with a predetermined outcome, participants will be encouraged to respond to what develops on the surface and allow one material, image, or gesture to suggest the next.
We will also consider the creative possibilities of the unexpected: a torn edge, an accidental mark, an obscured photograph, a shift in color, or a layer that does not behave as anticipated. Instead of immediately correcting these moments, we will explore how they might become an integral part of the finished work. Mistakes can become invitations to look again, change direction, and discover something we could not have planned.
Throughout the workshop, Leah and Wayne will share approaches to combining processes and materials while encouraging each participant to develop their own visual language. We will investigate ways of bringing together related and unrelated imagery, personal and found materials, abstraction and representation, and deliberate choices with spontaneous ones.
The goal is not simply to learn how to combine materials, but to become more open and responsive in the studio—to experiment, take risks, follow unexpected connections, and discover how juxtaposition can transform both the surface of an artwork and the ideas behind it.
Open to artists interested in encaustic, photography, collage, painting, drawing, and mixed-media experimentation.
Class Size Limited to 6 people
Investment: $1,100 per person
Class Times: 9am-5pm (Saturday) & 11am-4pm (Sunday)
Workshop Location: Leah’s Studio in Philadelphia, PA
For inquiries & to register, contact Leah: leahwax1@gmail.com | 610-247-9964
OTHER OFFERINGS:
Private Workshops
Great for small groups or one-on-one sessions. At your studio or mine — or via Zoom! Price and availability upon request.
Portfolio Development & Photography Mentorships
A long-term, 10-month learning experience. In-person or via Zoom! Work one-on-one to develop a cohesive, refined body of work using a variety of mixed media and encaustic techniques. The Portfolio Development Mentorship is great for beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their portfolio. Price and availability upon request.
Studio Space Rental
Want to work in encaustics but need a workspace? Rentals in my personal studio are available… rent by the hour, day, or month!
For inquiries, contact Leah: leahwax1@gmail.com | 610-247-9964
Photos from the Wax Studio
