Ready to quiet your inner critic, and just play with paint? This expanded 4 ½-hour workshop is all about jumping into the colorful world of cold wax and oil painting — with zero expectations and maximum fun. The extra time gives us room to slow down, experiment, build multiple layers, experience the magic of cold wax and oil, and—most importantly—play without feeling rushed.

We’ll explore the magic of making messes, happy accidents, and discovering what happens when you let go of needing it to be “good.” We’ll dive deep into texture, mark-making, and the delicious satisfaction of layering and scraping paint.

In this relaxed yet dynamic class, you’ll learn:

• The Mix: How to blend cold wax with oil paint (it’s like frosting!).
• The Texture: Using tools to build rich, touchable surfaces.
• The Marks: Using everyday objects to create visually interesting patterns.
• The Reveal: The joy of layering — and then scraping it all back to see what’s underneath.
• The Flow: Working on multiple pieces at once to keep the creativity moving.

Perfect for: Total beginners, "stuck" creatives, or anyone who’s ever said “I’m not an artist.” (Spoiler: You are!)

TOTAL COST: $135

Course Fee: $110

Materials Fee: $25

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All supplies including paints, surfaces, and wax will be provided. You are welcome to bring old paintings to paint over! To prepare them for class, lightly sand the surface and prime with Gesso. 

Students will have a half-hour lunch break and are encouraged to pack a lunch. 

This is a fragrance-free classroom. Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other strongly scented products.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Raised in Washington State by mountaineering and sailing parents, Suz Carroll grew up with nature as her closest companion. Years spent watching clouds shift, water sparkle, and horizons stretch continue to inspire her abstract paintings today.

After a long career in business, art found her. She wasn't looking for it and had never considered herself particularly creative, despite a career filled with creative pursuits.

In early 2023, she began painting daily, discovering a passion for cold wax and oil, a medium that invites exploration, experimentation, and the unexpected.

Her work is inspired by the natural world: its layers, textures, movement, and constant transformation. Through an intuitive process of building, scraping, and revealing, she creates paintings that balance intention with spontaneity.

Suz approaches both painting and teaching with five guiding principles: create without attachment, create with joy, embrace imperfection, know when to step away, and always go with the flow.

Artist website: Horizon and Spice Studio