I have been struggling with getting back out to the garage studio due to the heat. The last few days the cool air is helping my motivation. I have been rearranging to better accommodate my needs in the studio. This process in itself is very tedious. I hope that once I get it all set up to my liking then it will be my much needed get away.
I have a commission in the works and some great ideas in my head that I am ready to get started on. I have decided to take a leap and start offering Encaustic workshops in our area. I have booked my first workshop (two months in advance) and I am working on booking the second. I am very excited to help meet the needs and interest of so many other people. I can only hope that they fall in love with Encaustic as much as I did. I visualize a huge Encaustic Society here in Amarillo and I am working toward making that happen! Here is the info on the Encaustic Workshop.
AN INTRODUCTION TO ENCAUSTIC
Taught by Mandy Gregory
Amarillo Art Institute (inside Sunset Center) 3701 Plains Blvd. #117 Amarillo, TX 79102
Friday, October 21st, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 22nd, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (lunch break: 1-2pm)
Cost $150
To Sign up call Morgan at 354-8802
Introduction: This workshop will give participants a thorough introduction to the encaustic medium and methods. Artists with experience in any artistic media will find this class interesting as well as inspiring. In this workshop, students will be able to combine found objects and collage materials into their work or create images directly with wax. Demonstration of technique will accompany each of the projects. Students are encouraged to bring found objects, photographs, paper and other interesting materials to the workshop to incorporate or imbed into their artwork. Workshop participants will leave with finished artworks and the knowledge of where to buy materials, how to make encaustic medium, suggested books to purchase, a list of artist’s websites who work with encaustic, and tips on how to set up your personal studio. Class size is limited so make sure and reserve your place in the workshop today.
Workshop fee pays for the following and includes
Colored wax, encaustic medium, 2 grounds (panels to encaustic on) *additional grounds will be available for purchase, use of available carving tools, use of propane torch and heat gun, paper towels, latex gloves, and waxed paper. Basically, all necessary tools and materials will be provided.
Suggested supplies
Apron, sketchbook/notebook, masking tape, any inspirational objects or images, photographs, fabrics, rusted objects, stamps and ink pads, any found objects such as buttons, bottle caps, string, elements from nature or anything else you may draw inspiration from.
*Additional grounds available to purchase.
8”x8” $10 each
10”x10” $12 each
12”x12” $14 each
I just finished teaching my first encaustic workshop at the Amarillo Art Institute. I had such a great time and enjoyed working with this great bunch of ladies. 
I finished this piece 2 days ago and I am very happy with it. I incorporated a metal bracket and a piece of clay in this Encaustic piece. It is hard to tell in this picture, but I was able to achieve some depth with the piece due to the added pieces. I really like the effect this has. Stop by The Object Gallery some time on a First Friday to view this piece and many others that I have made.
This is the most recent piece I have made. I am really happy with where this piece is going. I have added cotton boll's, coffee, and tape to create this encaustic. I am excited for the landscape effect I am getting with the heavy texture on the base and the imagery growing from it. "In the Middle" is 12 x 12 on a wood panel.
This is another encaustic that I have been working on for the 12 x12 exhibition at the Amarillo Museum of Art. 
I have been working on several encaustics lately with one being the piece that I submit for the 12x12 art exhibition and auction that will take place at the Amarillo Museum of Art on May 12th. In this piece I have added string, rope, and pods to create the depth and imagery of the piece. I am very happy with the results of using the natural elements. "Quiet Yet So Loud" is 12 x 12 on wood panel.
This is my very tiny garage studio. I have been doing my encaustic painting in this space since September of 2010. I love going out to the garage studio, it is where I escape when I need to clear my mind or to just unwind at the end of the day. 