The Encaustic Conference in Provincetown was a winner.

I love Cape Cod! Probably 225 - 250 people attended the conference this year. Some highlights for me: 10 minute morning sessions of watching sunlight dance on the water, dynamic high energy contentful talks by Michael David, Joanne Mattera, Patricia Miranda, and Sharon Louden, an awesome demonstration by Laura Moriarty, and lots of time to hang out with my good friend and wonderful artist Debra Claffey. I had a painting in the juried show Sense of Place at Castle Hill "When Looking Down Becomes Up." The work in all the related shows was impressive - and some of it was deeply moving and inspiring. The founder, Joanne Mattera, decided years ago to create a supportive community of artists using wax in their work and has continuallyinsisted on "raising the bar." I took a post conference workshop with the phenomenal human being Sharon Louden. I need to get myself up there every summer!

From Patricia Miranda's talk.

From Patricia Miranda's talk.

11th International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown

 

I am getting excited about attending this year's encaustic conference. The conferences, conceived and produced by Joanne Mattera from 2007 through last year, are now a part of Castle Hill's programming. They have been held in Provincetown since 2009. In fact, the view of the ocean from outside the conference inspired my very first seascapes. Strips of different colors and values of blue and brown hovered in the light. I was mesmerized, and love returning to that spot. This conference begins Friday June 2 and goes through June 4, with pre and post conference workshops. Lots of great art, demonstrations, talk, and networking.

                               P'town 25     Encaustic on Wood     16"x16"