Exploring Oil & Cold Wax in 2 Parts:
PAINTING ON PAPER | Collage
with Eloise Shelton-Mayo
May 12-17, 2027
***A scholarship is offered for this workshop. Application Deadline December 1, 2026***
Captivating Oil & Cold Wax in Two Parts requires no experience with oil paint and is appropriate for beginner to experienced artist, There is a lot to love about the qualities of this medium and I look forward to guiding you through this fascinating process.
During Part I of this two-part program, participants will create paintings on Arches oil paper.
In Part II, Eloise will, for the first time, introduce participants to her various processes while combining paint and paper-layering for the development of unique and compelling collages.
SUPPLY LIST:
Basic supplies: oil paint in basic colors: white, black, Ultramarine Blue, Red Medium, Yellow Light. More white than any color. Optional: Quinacridone red, turquoise and a metallic color such as copper or gold.
Arches Oil Paper tablet 9” x 12” or you can use 138-140lb Watercolor paper that has two layers of gesso on it ahead of workshop. 10-12 pieces. Sizes no larger than 8” x 8”. Allow extra for taping. (You may want to apply to cradled board later.)
Mixed Media Paper, Watercolor Paper, or use Arches for Collage portion.
A couple of Pallet Knives for mixing paint - plastic ones OK
Adhesive: I prefer Crystal Marie’s mixture (Yes Paste with Golden Glazing liquid in Satin or Gloss), because it is repositionable and keeps papers from becoming wrinkled. I will show you how to mix this in workshop. Bring a small cleaned out container from sour cream, yogurt or similar for making a batch. You’ll need Yes Paste and Golden Glazing Liquid for this. … or you can use any Gel Medium instead. It works well, but is not repositionable.
Wet Wipes - the generic kind from Walmart are the same but cheaper.
Wax Paper
Freezer Paper or Palette Paper
Pieces of Cardboard for taping your paper onto/ I’ll bring extra too.
Painters Tape
Scissors
Optional: If you have R & F pigment sticks, you may like to bring them. I will have some for you to try. If you have wedge style paint brushes, bring them but not required
Eloise will supply:
Cold wax, her favorite black tissue paper, gloves, Messermeister Wedges, Powdered Charcoal, Gamsol, skewers, Galkyd Gel to mix with Cold Wax, texture tools, and some R & F Pigments for you to use.
Supply Fee: $20
MEET ELOISE
Fine artist Eloise Shelton-Mayo has been working with and teaching workshops in oil and cold wax for over 10 years. During Part I of this two-part program, participants will create paintings on Arches oil paper. In Part II, Eloise will, for the first time, introduce participants to her various processes while combining paint and paper-layering for the development of unique and compelling collages.
The DETAILS
Location: Blue Mountain Retreat Center is located steps away from the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, at the junction of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Walk along the river path and cross the bridge to historic Harpers Ferry. Enjoy the clean mountain air just an hour away from three major airports.
Dates: May 12-17, 2027
Arrive Wednesday May 12th after 3 PM and in time for 6 PM Meet & Greet, followed by dinner (BYOB).
Class Thursday-Sunday, May 13-16 from 9-4 with 1 hour lunch break.
Depart Monday morning, May 17.
All rooms are offered on a first come basis with a $300 deposit due at registration. The remaining balance will be due January 15, 2026 (with a 2-payment option), or within 30 days if registering after January 15, 20267
As always, the retreat cost is all-inclusive except for the $20 cash materials fee due to instructor at the beginning of class
Your Red Thread Retreat fee includes:
- 5 nights lodging
- Dinner Wednesday thru Sunday
- Lunch Thursday thru Sunday
- Self-serve breakfast each morning
- 4 days of class 9 AM - 4:30 PM (1 hr lunch break)
- 24 Hr art room access
Registration Fees
Private Room - $1198 Sold Out
Double Room - $1158 Sold Out
Triple Room - $1098
$300 deposit due at registration
Click room choice to register and pay deposit:
Private Room
Double Room
Triple Room
If your first choice is sold out, please make another selection.
Cancellation Policy - Please read!
Cancellation by or before January 6, 2027 - Full refund less a $150 cancellation and processing fee.
There will be no refunds after March 12, 2027, but if you or I find someone to take your spot, you will receive a full refund less the non-refundable initial deposit $300.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING:
Apron or work clothes
Good walking/hiking shoes if you're an outdoor walker
Snacks
Beverages of your choice
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare and travel expenses to and from The Red Thread Retreat
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (always suggested).
SEE YOU THERE!
