Introduction to Oil & Cold Wax - 18th June 2026

£125.00

A fun and experimental 1-day workshop for those who would like to learn more about painting with oil and cold wax (Coldwax is a wonderful medium that adds body, transparency and depth to oil paint and speeds up its drying time).

The workshop will cover basic techniques and processes, and focus on how you can create intuitive, abstract paintings full of layers, texture and depth.

You will learn:

  1. How to use coldwax to add luminosity, texture and depth to your paintings.

  2. How to work more intuitively and embrace happy accidents.

  3. Which tools and mediums to use and how to set up your space.

  4. Building up layers of colour and texture.

  5. How to embrace an abstract and experimental way of working.

You'll learn how to develop intuitive paintings while receiving 1:1 feedback. The workshop will also include plenty of tutor demonstrations, time for experimentation and play and the chance for you to connect with other creatives.

By the end of the workshop you will of created series of around 8 paintings on paper and will have new skills and knowledge to take away with you.

Experience

Whether you are a complete beginner in oil paints or would like to build your confidence working with them, this workshop will be a great starting point.

In terms of my own experience, I hold a full PGCE and have been teaching art for over 15 years. I have lectured at Falmouth University and regularly teach at Tate St Ives and The St Ives School of Painting. I also have a BA arts degree and completed my MA in fine art at Falmouth University in 2013.

Location

The workshop will take place at The Poly, which is a beautiful, historic arts venue in the heart of Falmouth, Cornwall. Falmouth is a bustling creative town, which has been shaped by its strong connection to the sea and has many fantastic independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Falmouth train station is less than a 10 min walk away and there is a public car park at the back of the building for easy access. The Poly also has a wonderful Cafe called Solskinn where you can order lunch and refreshments.

The Poly, 24 Church Street, Falmouth. Cornwall. TR11 3EG

Other Information

10.30am - 4.30pm (with an hours lunch break)

Price includes all materials, equipment & refreshments.

Each participant will have their own table and wall space.

Maximum of 12 participants for a connected & intimate learning experience.

A split payment can be arranged if needs be. Please just email me at studio@lauramenzies.co.uk

‘I can’t recommend Laura’s cold wax and oil workshop highly enough. It’s a method I’ve been wanting to explore for some time . Her way of explaining the various mixing and layering techniques and her encouragement of intuitive, free and loose mark-making was exactly what I wanted. I’m now working on pieces at home and loving the process

A fun and experimental 1-day workshop for those who would like to learn more about painting with oil and cold wax (Coldwax is a wonderful medium that adds body, transparency and depth to oil paint and speeds up its drying time).

The workshop will cover basic techniques and processes, and focus on how you can create intuitive, abstract paintings full of layers, texture and depth.

You will learn:

  1. How to use coldwax to add luminosity, texture and depth to your paintings.

  2. How to work more intuitively and embrace happy accidents.

  3. Which tools and mediums to use and how to set up your space.

  4. Building up layers of colour and texture.

  5. How to embrace an abstract and experimental way of working.

You'll learn how to develop intuitive paintings while receiving 1:1 feedback. The workshop will also include plenty of tutor demonstrations, time for experimentation and play and the chance for you to connect with other creatives.

By the end of the workshop you will of created series of around 8 paintings on paper and will have new skills and knowledge to take away with you.

Experience

Whether you are a complete beginner in oil paints or would like to build your confidence working with them, this workshop will be a great starting point.

In terms of my own experience, I hold a full PGCE and have been teaching art for over 15 years. I have lectured at Falmouth University and regularly teach at Tate St Ives and The St Ives School of Painting. I also have a BA arts degree and completed my MA in fine art at Falmouth University in 2013.

Location

The workshop will take place at The Poly, which is a beautiful, historic arts venue in the heart of Falmouth, Cornwall. Falmouth is a bustling creative town, which has been shaped by its strong connection to the sea and has many fantastic independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Falmouth train station is less than a 10 min walk away and there is a public car park at the back of the building for easy access. The Poly also has a wonderful Cafe called Solskinn where you can order lunch and refreshments.

The Poly, 24 Church Street, Falmouth. Cornwall. TR11 3EG

Other Information

10.30am - 4.30pm (with an hours lunch break)

Price includes all materials, equipment & refreshments.

Each participant will have their own table and wall space.

Maximum of 12 participants for a connected & intimate learning experience.

A split payment can be arranged if needs be. Please just email me at studio@lauramenzies.co.uk

‘I can’t recommend Laura’s cold wax and oil workshop highly enough. It’s a method I’ve been wanting to explore for some time . Her way of explaining the various mixing and layering techniques and her encouragement of intuitive, free and loose mark-making was exactly what I wanted. I’m now working on pieces at home and loving the process


The workshop will cover:

  • Working on paper

  • Introduction to abstraction

  • Line and shape

  • Compositional techniques

  • Experimental mark making techniques

  • How to build layers of colour (opaque and transparent)

  • Working wet into wet & also wet into dry

  • Working intuitively & how to loosen up your approach

  • How to incorporate oil sticks and drawing mediums


Testimonials

‘Thank you so much for an amazing workshop. You gave me so much inspiration & I can’t thank you enough for sharing all your tips & tricks. I adore your work so it was a real treat to be able to work alongside you’

‘What a fun and engaging workshop. It was a joy to learn more about this diverse medium and to loosen up my approach. I now have so many ideas i would like to develop. Thank you so much Laura’