All of my classes…

….are taught from an alternative, hands-on approach with an emphasis on mixed media and experimentation. I taught at Temple University, Tyler School of Art for 13 years and have been teaching workshops continuously since 2005. I have a diverse art background with skills that include painting, sculpture, graphic and textile design, photography, digital imaging and more. It is my intention that each participant leave my workshops with a refreshing balance of concept, process, history, experimentation, problem solving and discovery.

Scroll down for Class Schedules and Testimonials
People painting at a table in an art studio with various art supplies and colorful artwork on the walls.

2027 Retreats

  • A serene lake scene with tall grasses in the foreground, reflecting clouds in the calm water. A forested shoreline and distant hills can be seen under a partly cloudy sky.

    Waxing the Wild: Encaustic Ecologies of Mulranny

    April 9-16

    Essence of Mulranny
    Mulranny, Ireland

    More Info & Registration
  • Abstract textured artwork with rough, distressed surfaces in blue, white, and beige tones, featuring chaotic lines and scratches, overlaid with red streaks and organic patterns.

    Layers of the Land: A Study in Abstraction, Encaustic & Place


    June 14-18

    Lareau Farm Inn
    Waitsfield, Vermont

    More Info & Registration
  • Abstract art with blue tones, organic shapes, and textured patterns.

    The Alchemy of Transformation: Encaustic, Botanicals & Stains w/ Natural Processes & Materials

    August 9-13

    Lareau Farm Inn
    Waitsfield, Vermont

    More Info & Registration

2027 LIVE Virtual Classes

  • Abstract artwork with pink and beige swirls, leaves, and circular shapes on a textured background.

    It Begins With a Mark Lecture Series

    January 14, 2027
    7:00 PM EST

    FREE Live Virtual Presentation

    Registration Begins
    November 15, 2026

    Info & Registration
  • Abstract mixed media artwork with flowers, watercolor textures, and geometric shapes

    Mark-Making as Practice PLUS

    Begins Jan 19, 2027

    Virtual Workshop
    All Sessions Recorded

    Early Bird Registration Begins November 15, 2026

    Coming Soon
  • Abstract artwork with circular designs and organic patterns on a textured surface.

    Captivating Composition: A Journey from Chaos to Cohesion


    Virtual Self-Guided Workshop

    Early Bird Registration TBA

    Coming Soon

Virtual Self-Guided Classes

  • Abstract art with geometric shapes and lines on a textured background

    Drawing With Horse Hair In Encaustic

    Learn to draw in encaustic with clean, fluid lines to create simple, complex and subtle graduated drawings.

    Full class available for Download NOW

    Info & Sign Up
  • Abstract artwork featuring floral patterns, dried flowers, and textured spheres on a beige background. Red and silver elements are interspersed throughout the composition.

    Smooth Surface Encaustic

    Learn how to create depth and a gorgeous satin finish with The Smooth Surface Encaustic mini-class combination PDF/Video Instruction.

    Full Class Available for Download NOW

    Info & SIgn Up
  • Abstract painting with splashes of black, pink, and brown on a textured white background.

    Mark-Making as Practice Recordings Only

    The Spring, 2024 Workshop Offered as Self-Guided Recordings Only

    Class is Open NOW!

    Registration Ongoing

    Info & Sign-up
  • Abstract painting with blue, pink, and orange hues, featuring layered textures and organic shapes.

    Basically the Basics Encaustic Demonstration Recording

    A Recording of the 90 Minute Basic Encaustic Demonstration that aired Live, January 2025

    Info & Sign-Up

Painting with Fire Virtual Encaustic
& Cold Wax Workshops

  • Abstract artwork with intricate patterns and mixed colors

    Painting With Fire Encaustic 2021-22

    26 Instructors/52 Videos

    Forever Access to the Videos
    Private Facebook Community

    My Classes: Polythermal Materials & Paper Clay

    Now on sale for $199

    Info & Sign Up
  • Abstract tie-dye pattern with blue and amber hues

    Painting With Fire Encaustic 2022-23

    26 Instructors/52 Videos

    Forever Access to the Videos
    Private Facebook Community

    My Classes: Instant Indigo &
    Art on the Go

    Now on sale for $249

    Info & SIgn Up
  • Artistic arrangement with paper, paintbrush, stick, and paper cup, featuring abstract black ink marks on papers.

    Painting With Fire Encaustic 2023-24

    26 Instructors/52 Videos

    Forever Access to the Videos
    Private Facebook Community

    My Classes: 5 Encaustic Painting Fixes & Mark-Making

    Now on sale for $289

    Info & Sign Up
  • Colorful abstract painting with red, yellow, and blue hues next to a collection of paintbrushes in a holder.

    Painting With Fire Encaustic 2024-25

    26 Instructors/52 Videos

    Forever Access to the Videos
    Private Facebook Community

    My Classes: Fast & Loose Encaustic & 5 Favorite Tools

    Now on sale for $289

    Info & Sign Up
  • Colorful mixed media artwork featuring vibrant flowers, including red, pink, and orange blooms, intertwined with green leaves and abstract elements.

    Painting With Fire Encaustic 2025-26

    26 Instructors/52 Videos

    Forever Access to the Videos
    Private Facebook Community

    My Classes: Mastering Contrast & Contrast in Contemporary Art Slide Talk

    Now on sale for $249

    Info & Sign Up

  • Painting With Fire 2026-27

    29 Instructors/52 Videos

    Forever Access to the Videos
    Private Facebook Community

    My Classes: Mark-Making From the Mundane in Encaustic & Cold Wax & Capturing the Mundane Through the Found Drawing Slide Talk

    Only $249

    Coming March 15 @ 1PM EST!

Testimonials

  • “A great workshop in Kingston NY at R&F Paints taught by Lorraine Glessner. Brain is in overdrive, can't wait to get home and play with new ideas and techniques!!"

    Teri Bevelaqua

  • “I loved the course on so many levels. I thought the timing, the spacing of different modules, the quotes, the books, the drawings, all worked out so beautifully. I couldn't wait to get up and get working each morning and was always surprised when the day was done. Your generosity and teaching style were inspiring and I can't wait to work on a new set of skills”

    Sally Hootnick

  • “Your teaching approach/skills were part of the beauty of the whole week. You set a great and non-inhibiting tone in the beginning that was helpful in allowing us to feel safe and away from lots of judgment”

    Edie Morton

  • “I truly enjoyed you and my classmates-the support, the talent, the new ideas, the camaraderie.”

    Carol Williams

  • “I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this past week. Your class not only opened so many possibilities for my work, but also broke down some of my self-imposed insecurities toward mark making and 2-D work. Thank you so much for creating such a supportive environment.”

    Kirsten Stingle

  • I learned many new techiques which I am thrilled about plus it was great to learn about familiar techinques done in a new way, from a different perspective. You are a great teacher and what really comes across is your love for what you do and the care you put into your art and teaching.

    Rebecca Shavulsky

  • Kudos to you Lorraine, a great teacher: clear, positive and inspiring.

    Meg Tweedy

  • "I have a new direction and a stronger sense of structure."

    Nancy Kavanagh O''Neill

  • "I truly enjoyed the workshop and learned new techniques and - more importantly- some new ways of seeing and approaching my work. "

    Debora Meltz

  • "Thank you for the wonderful class. I have taken hundreds with many teachers from PAFA, Fleisher, Wayne, Woodmere, etc. It is obvious from the start that you are a professional teacher along with being a professional artist. Your thoughtfulness with regard to content, instruction, class management, supplies, samples, and books, is unmatched. You were patient and helpful to each of us in our own stage of understanding. I learned so much."

    LisaRose Ferri

  • "What a great experience! Lorraine is a gifted and generous teacher. She’s supportive of having each student find her own style."

    Carol Brewster

  • "Thank you so much for this wonderful workshop. I received so many ideas and ‘food’ for my creative adventures - it will last quite some time to work on that. You went above encaustic instructions and shared many other ways to feed our creative thirst :) I feel very inspired."

    Lisa Binkley