The Art of Oil and Cold Wax Medium
Gallery Events
Classes
A Night In Venice – Tickets Now on Sale!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at A Night In Venice, the Art Benicia Annual Gala 2026! Join…

Classes
Layered Color: Intaglio and Monotype with Safer Printmaking Materials with Tony Holmquist
Sunday, November 1, 2026 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Arts Benicia Annex, 991 Tyler Street, Suite 116, Benicia…

Classes
Imaginary Lands: Collage, Landscape and Abstraction
With Erin McCluskey Wheeler Sunday, November 15, 2026 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 1 Commandant's Lane, Benicia In…

Classes
Exploring Botanical Monotypes
With Kelly Autumn Sunday, November 22, 2026 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Arts Benicia Annex, 991 Tyler Street,…

Classes
Beyond Bookcloth: Coptic Binding as Expression
With Kelley Dean-Crowley Sunday, December 6, 2026 10:00 am to 3:30 pm Arts Benicia Annex, 991 Tyler Street,…

Diane Williams and Chuck Potter
Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4, 2026
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cold wax medium has been used for decades to expand the expressive possibilities of oil paint. Made from beeswax, resins, and a small amount of solvent, it creates luminous, textural surfaces with a beautiful matte finish while accelerating drying time. There is no heat involved in the process. The medium invites layering, scraping, carving, and revealing hidden passages, resulting in paintings rich with depth and history. Designed for beginning and intermediate artists, this two-day workshop introduces the fundamentals of oil and cold wax while providing time to explore the medium in greater depth. We’ll begin on Arches Oil Paper, allowing you to experiment freely before moving to cradled wood panels. You’ll learn to build luminous layers while exploring color, temperature, rhythm, pattern, movement, texture, and contrast. Working on multiple paintings at once allows layers to dry while encouraging the development of a cohesive series.
Join us for two inspiring days of exploration, creativity, and community as we demystify the exciting possibilities of oil and cold wax painting.
