“Surface Stories: Building Depth Through Layers & Texture in Oil/Cold Wax Medium” with Lisa Boardwine

A 3-Day Abstract Oil & Cold Wax Medium Workshop | Crossroads Art Center

August 28 | 10:00-4:30pm
August 29 | 10:00-4:30pm
August 29 | 10:00-3:30pm

Cost: $445

In this immersive 3-day workshop, students may work in acrylics, oil and cold wax, or a combination of both. The primary focus will be on using Acrylics to kick-start strong, expressive abstract paintings, with the option to transition select pieces into oil and cold wax for a layered, luminous finish.

We’ll begin by exploring Acrylic and mixed media techniques—building dynamic surfaces through texture, color, mark making, and composition. Acrylics allow for quick movement, playful experimentation, and bold decision-making, making them an ideal starting point for abstract work.

I will also demonstrate my combination approach, showing how an acrylic painting can be finished with oil and cold wax. This optional step introduces a slower, more intuitive layer—softening edges, unifying the surface, and allowing earlier marks and colors to glow through.

Students who prefer to work exclusively in oil and cold wax are equally welcome. Instruction will support all three approaches, with guidance on how to adapt techniques and compositional ideas across materials.

This workshop emphasizes personal expression, experimentation, and intuitive decision-making—meeting each painter where they are and offering multiple pathways forward.

Bring your sense of adventure and play.

What You’ll Experience
• Daily demonstrations
• Individual guidance
• Studio painting time
• Exploration of personal process
• Flexible use of acrylics, oil & cold wax, or both

Registration
Registration is through Lisa Boardwine
https://www.lisaboardwinefineart.com/
A $100 nonrefundable deposit will hold your space.
There will be a $25.00 extra supply fee for materials I will bring for you to use in workshop.

Let each layer guide you—one decision at a time.
Create a History ~ Provide some Mystery ~ Make your Mark

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2026 SUMMER CLASSES WITH CURNEY NUFFER

Intermediate and Advanced levels are welcome. Classes are primarily focused on oil painting, but Curney welcomes artists who work in acrylic and watercolor. The use of oil paint - from brushes and canvases to palette and technique — is the emphasis in these classes. Curney will demonstrate how the use of a limited palette emphasizes the importance of color, value, intensity, and placement of paint. Composition and the use of photos versus still-life setups and plein air landscapes will be discussed. Demos and exercises are combined with painting time, or artists have the option to paint on their own with help from Curney throughout the class.

Fee: $75 per block. Either a Monday or Tuesday block, paid by check, cash, Venmo, or Zelle

*Please respond by email or text to confirm there is a space in the class before sending your check* RSVP to Susan Dull susandull@icloud.com. Your check holds your place in class. Please make check payable to Susan Dull and mail to 304 St. Davids Lane, Richmond, VA, 23221. No cancellations after classes have started. Materials list will be sent via email.

Summer 2026 Schedule

Make up Aug. 26- for any Summer Class

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8 Week Pastel Class- Pastel Tapestry with Melissa Walton

Thursday, September 24 – November 12,2026 10am – 12:30pm

Cost: $265 Click Here To Sign Up!

Dive into the vibrant world of soft pastels with this 8-week course, open to all skill levels! If you’re ready to move beyond simply copying a reference photo, this class is for you. Soft pastels are a rich, versatile medium known for their intense pigment and ability to create both dramatic effects and delicate light.

Throughout the eight weeks, you'll receive step-by-step guidance, beginning each class with a short demo. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of pastel materials, and you’ll learn essential techniques.  A major focus will be on manipulating color, creating texture, mark making, and teaching you how to interpret reference photos—your own or those provided—with a new, creative perspective. 

About the instructor: Melissa Walton is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America and American Impressionist Society.   More information can be found at www.pastelsbymelissa.com

Supplies- Melissa Walton Pastels

• Paper size: Working in a size of 9x12 is ideal for learning. It’s large enough to explore techniques but still manageable. I don’t recommend starting smaller than this size.  
• Pastel paper: Using sanded pastel paper will yield the best results and marks and allows us to explore underpainting techniques.   Ideally, it’s helpful to have a neutral-toned paper as you learn (more on this during class).  The brands I recommend are Pastel Premier, UART 400, Sennelier La Carte, and PastelMat.  All of these are widely available online. 
• Pastels: Bring as many as you can carry! You’ll want a nice range of lights, darks, and neutrals which are missing from many beginner sets. When starting out, I recommend purchasing half-stick sets, as they provide more colors for less cost than full sticks. Sennelier brand is a wonderful value- it is both professional quality and they have beautiful half stick sets.  My absolute favorite is the “Paris” set which I have purchased for myself at least 3 times.   If you already have some pastels but need certain color ranges, this is a great way to add to your collection! Other brands I recommend getting started are Mt. Vision, Unison, and Richeson Hand Rolled. In addition,  Hard Pastels are essential for layering and I recommend a small set of Nupastels.
• Backing support for your paper- I prefer foamcore, but you can also use gatorboard or a drawing board. Easels will be provided.

• Additional: You’ll need either charcoal or graphite to sketch in your painting.  Bring a humble paper for studio exercises- nothing fancy! Suggestions are Canon Mi Teintes (NOT white) or Artagain.  I recommend pads of tracing paper to store completed pastel paintings, make sure the pad is a little larger than your pastel paper.  Feel free to bring reference photos of anything you’d like to paint.

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2026 FALL CLASSES WITH CURNEY NUFFER

Crossroads Art Center
Classroom B

Fall Classes 2026

Mondays | 12:30-3:30pm
Tuesdays | 9:30-12:30pm

October 5 - December 1, 2026

(No Class Nov. 23 - 24)

Cost: $300.00 paid by check, cash, Venmo or Zelle.

Please respond by email to confirm that there is space in the class that you would like to take before sending your payment. Thanks!!

RSVP to Susan Dull @ susandull@icloud.com.Your check holds your place in class. Please make check payable to Susan Dull and mail to 304 St. Davids Lane, Richmond, VA, 23221. No cancellations after classes have started. Materials list will be sent via email. 

Intermediate and advanced levels are welcome. Classes are primarily focused on oil painting, but Curney welcomes artists who work in acrylic and watercolor. The use of oil paint — from brushes and canvases to palette and technique — is the emphasis in these classes. Curney will demonstrate how the use of a limited palette emphasizes the importance of color, value, intensity, and placement of paint. Composition and the use of photos versus using still-life setups and plein air landscapes will be discussed. Demos and exercises are combined with painting time, or artists have the option to paint on their own with help from Curney throughout the class. 

If you have to miss a class, you may always do a make-up in the other day/time during the semester.

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