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Your Magical Lens
Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need to have experience in encaustic painting?

Basic encaustic painting experience is necessary to get the most out of this community, but you don't need to be an expert. If you can paint and fuse on your own then you should be at the right level for this course. The lessons will offer rich, personalized instruction that will challenge you to consider advanced ideas and techniques. Some of the sessions won't focus on wax at all, but rather subjects such as creating great photographs, working with mixed media, or finding fresh ways to approach your art making.

What supplies do I need?

When you register, you receive a detailed supply list. The basic encaustic set up includes a pancake griddle or heated palette, encaustic paint and medium, a heat gun or torch, brushes, a few scraping tools, and panels. Optional materials might include watercolor, pastel, oil sticks or pigment sticks, collage materials, and other exciting materials that I'll discuss as we go along.

This video on basic encaustic painting materials will help you get started.

If you don't have many supplies yet, my customized encaustic set is a great way to get set up.

This video on basic encaustic painting materials will help you get started.

Do I need a printer?

You'll have more freedom to experiment if you have your own printer, but you can also have your images printed elsewhere. After registration, your welcome email will include more information about this as well as other resources like suggested paper choices, inexpensive photo editing software, and links to copyright free images.

How does this course work?

This is a 12-week course that includes 4 hours of online group instruction and discussion each month. We will meet at 4 pm PST on most Saturdays. The sessions will alternate weekly between 90-minute demonstrations and 30-minute Q&A style community calls, starting with an overview and demo. Most weeks will include live Zoom sessions, and they will all be recorded. A few other activities may be delivered via video, Facebook, or email when it's more appropriate. You'll get a more detailed schedule when you register so you'll know what's coming up.

Throughout the course, there are new activities including unique photography challenges, technique demonstrations, community calls for sharing your work, and intuitive painting exercises where we all create together in real-time. I'll also share my sources of creative inspiration along the way to keep you motivated.

All assignments, tips, techniques, and inspirations are provided through a combination of real-time meetings via Zoom, videos, emails, and our private Facebook group.

What should I expect after I register?

After enrolling you'll receive a welcome email along with the suggested course materials and links to some of my favorite resources. Around a week before our first session, you'll also receive an invitation to our private Facebook group, and the link to join the live sessions via Zoom.

What happens if I miss a live session?

No worries! If you can't make it to a live session, you can always view the recording later. The sessions build on each other and collectively help you evolve as an artist, so try to attend them if you can. The recordings are also available for download so you can review them at any time. A link to the recording will be posted within a day after the live event.

Do I need special software to participate?

All live sessions will be conducted online using Zoom. This requires a quick and easy download, but you don't need a special account to participate. You'll receive instructions on how to use Zoom when you register for the class. Using a device (i.e.: phone, laptop, tablet) with a high-quality camera is recommended. Email is required since important course information and links to the live calls are sent via email.

Click here to download the free ZOOM app in advance.




Do I need high speed internet for the course?

You will need a reliable, high speed internet connection to effectively participate in the live Zoom calls.

Can I ask questions and get feedback?

Absolutely! There are Community Calls twice monthly which include an opportunity to share your work and discuss it on Zoom with the whole group. Questions and photos of your work can also be posted on our group's private Facebook page, where you'll benefit from discussions with other artists in the Your Magical Lens community. I'll also check posts once a week, but if you need more individualized help please choose a plan that includes working with me as a mentor.

Do I have to use Facebook?

The private Facebook group is not required, but it's a great way to interact with other artists in our community and share your experiences. Even if you don't want to post your own work, you can still engage in conversations or take a look at what others are posting. It's a great way to get inspired!

What is the cancellation policy?

If during the first week you believe the course is not a good fit, please contact me and I'll provide a full refund. After the first week, no refunds are available. There are no credits for missed sessions since you can always watch or download the session recording.

Do I have to pay with PayPal?

Even if you don't have a PayPal account you can still pay with a credit card through their web site. If you need other payment options, please contact me.

I prefer one-on-one instruction. Do you offer this online?

Yep! I also offer individualized mentoring sessions.


Should any injuries occur during or as a result of participation in any class or workshop, the registered student agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Linda Robertson and all employees, instructors and volunteers connected with Linda Robertson Arts.


Questions? Contact Linda.
All text and images on this site (c) 2020 by Linda Robertson.