Tucson Botanical Gardens: Painting the Desert Garden – A 2-part Cold Wax and Oil Workshop

This series is Tuesday, 11/17 & Thursday, 11/19
You will not be able to sign up for the following classes in this series separately.

This two-day immersive workshop invites participants to engage directly with the unique flora and atmosphere of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, using photography as a starting point for creating a single expressive painting in cold wax and oil.

Participants will begin by exploring the gardens, learning to identify compelling compositions, light patterns, and abstract forms through guided observation and smartphone photography. These collected images will serve as a foundation for interpretation and creative exploration.

In the studio, students will be introduced to cold wax and oil techniques, including layering, scraping, and mark-making, to build a textured, luminous surface. Emphasis will be placed on translating visual experience into personal expression, encouraging participants to move beyond literal representation.

Who is it for and what can I expect?

This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners to painting through advanced artists seeking to expand their practice with cold wax medium.

Each participant will complete one finished or near-finished painting and leave with a working understanding of cold wax techniques, as well as strategies for using photography as a creative springboard rather than a fixed reference.

Materials List:

• Student-grade oil paints like Gamblin’s 1980 or Winsor & Newton’s Winton are fine, or professional-grade if you prefer. Acrylic paints are not suitable for this class. Recommended Colors:
  • Titanium White
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Permanent Rose (Winsor & Newton) or Alizarin Crimson
  • Dioxazine Purple
  • Burnt Umber
  • Cadmium Yellow Light or Hansa Yellow
  • Cadmium Orange or Permanent Orange (2nd color options above are cheaper than the cadmiums. They are less saturated pigments, but the difference is subtle.)
• One #4 filbert shape brush.
• Odorless Mineral Spirits (I recommend Gamsol for the least toxicity) and a small cup for cleaning brushes and tools.
• Palette – One 12” x 16” x 3/32” piece of clear sheet glass for the palette works well with a straight edge razor for cleaning. (Most Home Depot locations carry this pre-cut tempered glass). Check online for availability. Do not bring frame glass, which breaks easily. Add masking tape around edges for easier handling. A disposable paper palette is ok as well.
• 11” x 14” Canvas Paper (Canson XL canvas pad is an affordable option)
• Gamblin Cold Wax (4 oz. will do)
• Catalyst Wedge (shape 6)
• Pointed scraping tool (Anything with a point)
• Palette knife (any shape is fine)
• 2″-4” wide soft rubber brayer
• Disposable nitrile gloves
• Smartphone or camera for capturing the scenery
• Wear painting cloths or an apron – we will be messy! Optional if you have them. Instructor will have some to share if you don’t
• Blue Painters Tape
• Plastic stencils of various types (Amazon is a source)
• Misc. art stamps
• If you have soft pastels, bring a few bright colors

Ages 18+