The Encaustic Center Opens in Richardson

New Space to Learn Ancient Art

Grand Opening at the Encaustic Center

Metroplex artists now have a new space in which to learn about encaustic painting, an ancient wax painting technique that has made a strong comeback in the last few years. Encaustic painting involves melting beeswax and a natural resin and then adding pigments to create colored paint. The wax paint is brushed on when it’s hot and once cool, can be scratched, scraped, and manipulated to create many interesting finishes.

The Encaustic Center is the result of a collaboration between artists Bonny Leibowitz and Deanna Wood. Leibowitz has been teaching drawing and painting classes at her Bonny Studio in Richardson for four years. When the space next door opened up, she contacted encaustic artist Deanna Wood and they turned the space into The Encaustic Center.

Bonny and Deanna, photo by Junanne Peck

“We wanted to create a space where we could teach workshops and classes, sell supplies, exhibit artwork, and generally spread the word about the flexibility and beauty of encaustic painting,” says Wood, who has been painting with encaustic for five years.

Leibowitz added, “Painting with wax is a beautiful and entrancing journey; giving the work an elusive glow. Creating with and teaching this process is joyous and allows for each person’s unique sense of expression.”

This August, The Encaustic Center is featuring Waxy 100, an exhibit of 100 encaustic works for under $100. The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, August 14 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

The Encaustic Center is now up and running at 580 West Arapaho, Suite 271, with Wood and Leibowitz offering workshops, workdays, supplies, exhibition space for encaustic artists, and soon offering the option for students to take ongoing weekly classes.

For more information, please visit The Encaustic Center’s website.

Wood Whispers by Deanna Wood

Into by Bonny Leibowitz