Edge of Grey EncausticsEdge of Grey EncausticsEdge of Grey EncausticsEdge of Grey Encaustics

(519) 497-7646

Paint With Beeswax

Paint With Beeswax

Paint With BeeswaxPaint With BeeswaxPaint With Beeswax

"Starting with beeswax mixed with a damar resin, I add oil paint to make my palate of colours. I then use a variety of techniques to create beautiful layered imagery within the wax. My work is greatly inspired by the rural Ontario landscape.  


I want each piece to not only be a work of art, but a memory of a  particular time and place, or feeling. This concept also transfers to my workshops, creating a memorable experience for participants."

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Kim Kool

about me

My journey as an artist began inside of a penitentiary while working as a Restorative Justice practitioner helping women reintegrate to the community from federal prison.  Art became a powerful point of connection and served as a strong catalyst for community engagement.  Many of the women that I met had never had the opportunity to really explore their creativity and felt immense joy at making something beautiful.  This experience has been a driving force behind my vision for Edge of Grey.  


In addition to working with women in prison, I have worked with at-risk youth, and have done planning and facilitation for adults with developmental differences.  I hold a 4 year Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and English, with a minor in Psychology from St. Thomas University.  I have a Certificate in Conflict Management and Mediation from Conrad Grabel University College as well as a Certificate in Trauma Counseling for Front Line Workers from the Hinks-Dellcrest Institute.  I am trained in Peacemaking Circles and in Person-Centered Planning (PATH & MAPS)


My true passion is community building and program development with a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and capacity building.  I am always open to hearing your ideas on new partnerships and looking for ways to engage with the community.  Please feel welcome to come and visit me at my studio, The Hive.


In addition to The Hive, my encaustic work can be found at The Georgian Artisan Shop (Thornbury), Hamel Brooms (St. Jacobs), and 21 Main (Grand Valley).  I am also a lover of all things local, handcrafted, and interesting.  I love meeting other artists and craftspeople, sampling local cuisine and craft beer, and exploring breweries, wineries, shops, studios, and galleries!  

About ENCAUSTIC PAINTING

Encaustics is an ancient art form that involves fusing layers of oil tinted beeswax together with various heating techniques  As the layers are built up, objects can be embedded in the wax and gouging techniques are incorporated to create shapes and designs.  Colours are used simultaneously to add depth and beauty to the work.  Encaustics is a unique medium which allows participants to explore their creativity while effectively engaging the senses. It is both deeply therapeutic while at the same promoting a sense of play.


Caring for your Encaustic Painting; Encaustic will not melt until it reaches close to 180 degrees.  It does not like extreme variations in temperature.  It is also best to not hang your encaustic painting in direct sunlight for long periods of time, or next to a fireplace.  

Encaustic is extremely durable and will not fade or deteriorate, but the surface can be scratched, gouged, or chipped if not handled with care.  


As the beeswax cures it can develop a dull or whitish cast known as a 'bloom'.  This is simply the natural process of oils migrating to the surface of the wax.  A gentle polish with a soft, lint free cotton cloth will bring back the natural luminosity and shine of the piece.





The Hive Encaustic Studio

Located in the historic Alton Mill Arts Centre (Caledon, ON),  The Hive Encaustic Studio is a vibrant community space in which to play and develop your creative process. Encaustic Supplies are also available at The Hive. Locally sourced beeswax, encaustic medium, encaustic paint, irons, stylus tools, and more.  Sustainability is important to me.  The supplies used at The Hive are carefully sourced and every effort is made to ensure that the practices at the studio are as eco-friendly as possible.  


There is so much to check out in the area, so why not make a full day, or even a weekend out of it!  Enjoy hundreds of kilometres of spectacular hiking trails, explore unique shops, visit an on-farm market, sip award winning fruit wine and cider, or enjoy a flight at GoodLot Farmstead Brewing.  Looking for the perfect girls day? Induldge in high tea or relax in the hot springs at The Millcroft Inn and Spa. Learn more at www.visitcaledon.ca


Make it a Getaway!  Hive guests enjoy preferred rates at 

The Forks of the Credit Inn www.forksofthecreditinn.com and 

The Devonshire Guest House & Spa www.devonshireguesthouse.ca

The guesthouse at Stonewell Lavender Farm is also highly recommended.  www.stonewellfarm.ca  

Classes & Workshops

Please note, painting in encaustic does require some fine motor skills and periods of standing.  If this is a barrier for you, let me know and I will work with you to find a way for you to safely and comfortably participate if at all possible.


Online booking is now available for select classes. 

Browse the event calendar below, and then continue scrolling to book your spot. If you prefer to go old school with booking and payment, drop me a line.

Kim@edgeofgrey.ca 

519-497-7646


Cancellation Policy: Payment in full completes registration and is required to hold your workshop space.  Most classes fill quickly and are waitlisted, so early registration is recommended.  If you cancel more than 72 hours in advance and I am able to fill your spot, then a refund will be issued minus a $15 administrative fee.  In the case of inclement weather, the class will be re-scheduled, or you can choose to defer to a class of the same value at a later date.  


Stay up to date!

There is something for everyone!

Give it a whirl

Pots of molten beeswax ready for encaustic painting

Come and try your hand at encaustic painting at The Hive Encaustic Studio.   Instruction followed by 30 minutes of play.  No experience necessary.  Ages 5 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.  By chance or appointment Wednesday - Sunday

519-497-7646 or kim@edgeofgrey.ca

 $25 per person

Open Studios

The Hive Encaustic Studio

Open Studio's at The Hive are the perfect way to continue exploring the beauty and spontaneity  of painting with beeswax.  Open Studio's are self-guided with no instruction and are open to those who have taken a class with me in the past, or at The Hive with another instructor.  All supplies and equipment included.  Bring your own substrates (maximum size of 16x20). 

By Chance or appointment

 Wednesday -  Sunday

$20 per hour

519-497-7646 or kim@edgeofgrey.ca to reserve your spot

Bring encaustics to your space

A group of ladies enjoying an encaustic workshop

My Studio is fully mobile and I do travel and teach throughout Ontario so please connect if you think that an encaustic workshop may be a good fit for your space.  


  I also offer non-profit partnerships, personalized sessions,  and accessible classes for diverse learners.



gift Certificates

An image of the award winning historic Alton Mill Arts Centre, home to the Hive Encaustic Studio

Give the gift of creativity in a beautiful and historic setting.  Gift certificates can be customized and used towards original art, workshops, private sessions, or encaustic supplies at The Hive Encaustic Studio located in the national award winning Alton Mill Arts Centre.  


The Alton Mill is a vibrant arts centre featuring working artist studio's, galleries, boutiques, and a heritage museum.

private classes

India Ink on encaustic

Any of my workshops can be run privately for a group of 4 or more.  If your group is less than 4, an additional studio fee of $60 plus hst will be applied. 


New: Private one-on-one sessions available. If you can't fit a workshop into your schedule, or have something specific in mind that you would like to work on, book a private session at The Hive for $40/hour.  Minimum 2 hour booking 


Individualized Planning

This image was taken at the water falls on the grounds of the Alton Mill Arts Centre.

Private sessions are also available for individualized planning to help you set and actualize goals for a creative future.  Planning is ideal at any stage of your creative journey, even one you have not yet begun.  Planning can be beneficial when facing a life transition such as retirement, starting a business, or moving to a new community.


$35/hour.  Minimum 2 hour booking.  No painting involved.  Planning can be a group session.  


Upcoming Events

No upcoming events.

Contact Me

Send me a Message

Visit my studio, upstairs at the Alton Mill Arts Centre.

* If you are making a special trip, please call ahead, as I often work in other locations.


Interested in displaying encaustic art in your business, restaurant, office or cafe? I offer art for purchase, but also work on  consignment, or short term rotating loans. Donations of art & art workshops are also available for community events or fundraisers.

1402 Queen St W, Caledon, ON, L7K 0C3

(519) 497-7646

Hours

The studio is generally open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm but these hours can fluctuate without notice.  I do offer some flexible bookings outside of regular business hours.