Ready to shake up your artistic practice and fall in love with a new medium?
Join NC artist and instructor Jodi Ohl in the charming town of Vass, North Carolina, for an energizing 3-day workshop that dives deep into the wild, unpredictable, and oh-so-satisfying world of Cold Wax and Oil Painting.
Whether you're brand new to the medium or already experimenting on your own, this hands-on workshop offers you the perfect opportunity to embrace bold texture, explore abstraction, and let go of perfection. Cold wax invites you to play, push, pull, scrape, and layer paint like never before—it’s a journey of discovery where happy accidents are part of the magic.
Why Cold Wax and Oil?
Unlike any other painting experience, working in cold wax allows for lush surfaces, surprising textures, and depth that evolves as your piece unfolds. It’s an intuitive process with moments of meditation and bursts of bold decision-making—perfect for artists craving a new adventure.
Jodi, known for her expressive abstract work and best-selling book “Abstracts in Acrylic & Ink,” will guide you through the tools, techniques, and mindset shifts needed to unlock this rich and rewarding medium. With over 15 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping artists find their voice, Jodi brings warmth, humor, and deep knowledge to every class.
What to Expect
In this 3-day immersive experience, you will:
-Work on Arches Oil Paper and wood panels ( wood surfaces provided)
-Explore mark making, layering, concealing/revealing, and more
-Discuss composition, color mixing, and intuitive editing
-Create a series of small abstract pieces and work toward a final project—abstract or a hybrid with realism—based on your personal aesthetic
-Connect with a supportive group of like-minded creatives in a relaxed, small-town setting
You'll leave with new skills, deeper creative confidence, and a solid foundation to continue your cold wax practice at home.
All Skill Levels Welcome!
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned painter looking to expand your toolbox, you’ll find inspiration, guidance, and personal feedback every step of the way.
Class Cost:
$579 for 3 Days plus
$99 Supply Fee for 3 Days
Payment Options:
-Pay full amount of $678
-Make monthly payments with the last payment due in January before your first class date. (Must establish an automated recurring payments. We will contact you to set up after you have registered.)
Supplies Included in $99 fee:
Assorted oil paints
Cold wax medium
Galkyd medium
Oil pastels, drawing tools, and brush cleaner
Stencils and texture tools
Painter’s tape
Wood panels (1 - 16x16" and 2 - 8x8")
Prefer working smaller? Select option at checkout so we can adjust your surfaces accordingly.
Student Supply List (Please Bring):
1 pad of Arches Oil Paper (preferred 12x16” or 9x12” – can share if coming with a friend)
1–2 flexible scrapers Catalyst Wedge #6 or a Messermeister silicone bowl scraper, highly recommended
2–3 palette knives
Small bag of texture tools (string, stencils, rubber bands, bottle caps, etc.)
Medical gloves (for working with oils)
Optional: Your own favorite oil paint colors
Sensitive to fumes? While we avoid turpentine and harsh solvents, feel free to bring a mask for added comfort.
Travel Note:
Cold wax paintings take several days to fully dry. If flying, consider shipping your work home by bringing a small flat box (approx. 18x18”) and parchment paper. The Post Office is right around the corner for your convenience.
Class Schedule:
Saturday, Jan. 17th 9:00 to 4:00
-Intro, supplies, surface prep, and techniques demo
-Begin on paper + wood surfaces
Sunday, Jan. 18th, 9:00-4:00
-Layering, composition, textural effects
Individual work and guidance
Monday, Jan. 19th, 9:00-12:00
-Final touches, critiques, and show & tell
-Optional one-on-one consultations
Monday, Jan. 19th 1:00-4:00
-Optional open studio
Lunch Breaks are from 12:00-1:00.
Filtered water, coffee, tea, and sweet and savory snacks are provided. (Bring a water glass!)
Bring your own lunch and use the studio refrigerator and microwave.
Eat out at one of a few nearby options such as Cross Roads Coffee Shop (next door), Coast Restaurant, Valenti's Italian Restaurant, Emma's Mexican Kitchen and The Piggly Wiggly grocery store.
Spots Are Limited!
This workshop offers a cozy and personalized learning environment. Don’t wait—classes at ARTworks Vass fill quickly!
Want to learn more about the business of art? Join Jodi Ohl and Artist/Gallery Owner, Jean Skipper for an optional Marketing Roundtable Discussion on the evening of Friday, January 16th. Select the option during registration if you are interested in attending and we will send you the details soon.
Traveling to Attend? Click the ticket link for more details!
We hope to see you in a class at ARTworks Vass soon!
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