AUGUST 1st - 3rd, 2023

ENCASUTIC LOVE is a truly unique collaborative class produced by Elizabeth Messina & Leah Macdonald. Elizabeth & Leah have been making ARTE together for nearly 30 years. This is a two & a half day immersive photography class that includes creative direction & styling, photographing a model to create impactful images & the beautiful curation of post production & making encaustic arte pieces that elevate your business. You’ll learn what these two artistic women have nurtured & studied since they met at the San Francisco Art Institute many moons ago. Elizabeth will lead the shoot day with the support of Leah. You’ll get to witness first hand how Elizabeth interacts with, directs & poses her subject & creates sublime and powerful imagery. Elizabeth & Leah will help you select images & print your work for you (all paper & supplies to make the prints will be provided). Leah will then lead a post production encaustic arte class with the support of Elizabeth. This is a hands on learning opportunity, where Leah will share her extensive knowledge of the ancient arte of encaustics (all supplies, wax paint & other necessary materials will be provided). All two & half days will take place in Elizabeth Messina’s natural light studio in Southern California (address will be provided privately). The class will be part communication & instruction, part observing Elizabeth’s photo & posing techniques, part observing & learning Leah’s techniques with encaustics, as well as the opportunity to create your own photographs & final arte pieces, that you may use in your portfolio. This photography class is open to all photographers, designers & creatives at all levels of photographic experience. We look forward to this special & intimate workshop.

TUESDAY AUGUST 1st, 2023 5-7pm

DAY 1: You’ll be welcome to an intimate gathering in Elizabeth Messina’s home to get acquainted with Elizabeth & Leah & the other attendees while enjoying hors d’oeurves & tour the studio.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2nd, 2023 noon - 6pm

DAY 2: With Elizabeth Messina as lead photographer, you’ll learn how to pose thoughtfully, use creative direction while considering lighting, composition & the overall impact of your images. You’ll observe Elizabeth in her natural light studio as she styles, directs & creates photographs. You’ll also have the opportunity to be the lead photographer & make your own images with the support & guidance of Elizabeth Messina. This is a supportive non competitive class in which you’ll have personal time to make photos & ask questions. Leah Macdonald will also be available to assist & help navigate the shoot day. Elizabeth & Leah will help you pick your strongest images to be printed.

THURSDAY AUGUST 3rd, 2023 noon - 6pm

DAY 3: With Leah Macdonald leading, you’ll learn to transform your photography with an encaustic layer that goes far beyond the average application. Techniques will include assembling photographs on substrates with archival glue, melting beeswax & encaustic paint to layer onto photographs, distressing imagery & embellishing with found objects such as lace & stencils. Students will learn the transformative process of collage & excavating printed imagery on absorbent papers & wooden supports. The result is a dynamic image far removed from its original familiarity. Prints will be prepared by Leah & Elizabeth using a printer, captured during the photography session with Elizabeth Messina. Students will be encouraged to include mixed media mark-making in their work & hand painting techniques to embellish imagery with pigment sticks. Elizabeth will also be available throughout the day to help support your creative learning process. This class is for all people of any level of photography and encaustic painting.

CLASS DETAILS:

on location workshop in Elizabeth Messina’s natural light studio in Southern California (address will be provided privately)

two & a half days of instruction by Elizabeth Messina & Leah Macdonald

limited to 10 - 12 participants

film & digital photographers, designers & creatives welcome

open to all skill levels

all post production arte supplies will be provided (Hahnemuhle paper, wax & paint, brushes etc)

beverages & snacks provided

location & more info will be provided privately upon booking your spot

PLEASE NOTE:

Once purchased, THE ARTE DEPT. classes are non refundable & non transferable. No exceptions. So please be sure this is the class you want to attend.