Where Paint Becomes Poetry: Oil & Cold Wax
Workshops | Available
Step into the rich, luminous world of oil and cold wax painting—a dynamic process that invites both control and beautiful unpredictability. In this immersive three-day workshop, students will explore the expressive potential of oil paint combined with cold wax medium to create layered, atmospheric, and textural works. Through guided demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and individualized instruction, participants will learn how to build paintings from the ground up—beginning with intuitive mark-making and evolving into cohesive, compelling compositions. Emphasis will be placed on design, value, and the development of a personal visual language. Each day will offer a balance of structured learning and open studio exploration, allowing beginners to gain confidence in the medium while more experienced artists are encouraged to push their work further with intention and depth.
Mediums & Paint
Gamblin Cold Wax Medium
Oil paints (recommended: a limited palette of transparent and opaque colors + Titanium White)
Optional: Oil sticks/pigment sticks
Tools
Palette knives (variety)
Silicone bowl scrapers / squeegees Brayer (4” recommended)
Clay tools or mark-making tools
Surfaces
Arches Oil Paper of Multimedia Boards (for studies)
Ampersand Gessobords, cradled panels (variety of sizes - largest 12 x 12 or 12 x 16)
Other
Gamsol odorless paint thinner Airtight Stainless Steel Brush Washer
Palette paper or mixing surface- freezer paper works
Nitrile gloves
Paper towels /rags
Painter’s tape
Texture materials (stencils, bubble wrap, coffee holder, etc.)
Optional: Pan pastels, dry pigments, collage materials
Link in blog to supplies on amazon www.sakostudios.com
Any questions? Please contact me directly: karen@sakostudios.com
Karen Sako
Karen Sako is a contemporary painter and educator known for her luminous, atmospheric works that blur the line between abstraction and representation. Working primarily in oil and cold wax, her paintings are rooted in observation yet driven by intuition, capturing the essence of nature through layered surfaces and expressive mark-making.
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Karen has guided hundreds of students in developing both technical skill and creative confidence. She has taught workshops throughout the Midwest and Florida, including at nationally recognized art institutions and retreat programs.
Her work has been exhibited widely and recognized in juried exhibitions, earning awards such as Critic’s
Choice Best in Show. Karen’s teaching emphasizes strong design, value, and the courage to explore—encouraging artists to discover their own voice while building a solid foundation.