Explore Cold Wax Medium Workshop with Michael A. Giaquinto

Wednesday, June 18, from 10:00 - 1:00 pm. Member $80 / Non-Member $95

Museum admission is included in the workshop fee.

Materials list below

Students will create a unique piece of art in this workshop with Michael Giaquinto that will bring together a variety of mixed media techniques while exploring the fascinating and versatile cold wax medium. This workshop is designed not only to enhance the participants' artistic skills but also to encourage their creativity and self-expression through the use of this innovative medium.

Cold wax medium is a specialized mixture that typically combines beeswax with a variety of other ingredients, including solvents and oils, to achieve a workable consistency. This unique blend allows artists to manipulate the medium in ways that traditional painting methods do not permit. One of the most exciting aspects of cold wax is its ability to create highly textured art pieces. By layering oil paint with cold wax, artists can build up rich, dimensional surfaces that invite viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels.

The cold wax dries to a beautiful matte finish, which adds an intriguing quality to the piece, distinguishing it from the glossy surfaces often associated with oil paints. This matte finish not only enhances the visual appeal of the artwork but also allows for subtle variations in color and texture to emerge as the layers interact with one another. Furthermore, because cold wax does not require heating or fusing, artists can work at their own pace, experimenting with different techniques and allowing their creativity to flow freely without the constraints of traditional heating methods.

Throughout the workshop, students will be guided through various mixed media techniques that complement the use of cold wax. They will learn how to incorporate other materials such as pastels, inks, and collage elements, which can be integrated into their cold wax creations. This exploration of mixed media will enable participants to discover new ways to express their artistic visions, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces. The workshop will include demonstrations and hands-on practice, allowing students to observe the application of cold wax and its interaction with other mediums. Michael will provide tips for manipulating the cold wax to achieve different textures and effects, encouraging students to find their style.

Materials

• Mixed media heavy-weight art paper pad (16 x 20 or 18 x 24)

• Apron

• Paper towel roll

• Painters tape

• Oil paints and cold wax medium will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their oil paints if preferred.

We have scholarships!

The Cape Cod Museum of Art is committed to making Art accessible to everyone in the Cape Cod Community. The Museum School Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance to qualified, year-round Cape Cod residents ages 6 and up. Click here to apply.

Michael Giaquinto was the Exhibitions Curator at the Cape Cod Museum of Art (CCMoA) for 17 years from 2003-2020. During that span, he curated over 200 exhibitions. Giaquinto studied fine art at the Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA, and art history at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. He became the Chief Art Prepartor for the NC State University Gregg Museum of Art & Design from 1991-2000. Upon relocation to Cape Cod, Giaquinto became the art teacher for grades 9-12 at St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis. He continues to teach a wide range of mediums and levels to adults and children at many cultural institutions. 

Giaquinto has exhibited in museums and galleries across the region and his artwork can be found in private, corporate, and museum collections. He is the 2023 Cape Cod Museum of Art Muse Artist Award recipient and held a one-person exhibition at CCMoA in 2025.

Cancellation policy: CCMoA must be notified 1 week prior for refund.