Artisan in Residence: Cold Wax Workshop

Artisan in Residence: Liz Goor

Join Liz Goor for an enlightening session where she shares her expertise in her favored artistic medium: the artful application of cold wax and oil paint on canvas. Discover the techniques and nuances of this distinctive method as she guides you through her creative process, offering invaluable insights and hands-on instruction.

Cold Wax is an oil painting medium which is a buttery soft paste made of beeswax mixed with a small amount of solvent and resin. The cold wax paste is mixed with the oil paint on the palette. Cold wax adds body, transparency and depth to the oil paint. It also speeds up drying time, increases the paint’s workability and does not require the special ventilation of encaustic.

Applying cold wax paint is the exciting part. A variety of tools can be used such as squeegees, trowels, cabinet scrapers, painting knives, old credit cards, icing spreaders, brayers and rollers, and silicone bladed painting tools. The paint has a creamy, buttery texture and spreads and layers beautifully. One of the most fun parts of the process is the mark making. Again, anything goes – skewers, whisk broom, pine needles, plastic wrap, paper, pencils, — the tools you can use to mark the wax seem limitless.

About the Artisan

Liz Goor’s artistic journey is a testament to her evolving passion for creativity. While her artistic endeavors began many years ago, it is only in recent years that she has fully committed herself to the world of art. Liz’s academic background is rich and diverse; she earned a degree in Italian literature with a focus on the life and works of the illustrious Dante Alighieri. Her junior year spent in Florence provided her with an immersive experience in Italian art, history, literature, and culture, shaping her artistic vision and deepening her appreciation for the arts.

Initially a representational artist, Liz has recently embraced abstract expressionism, finding it to be a liberating and spontaneous medium. “Abstract expressionism is the perfect avenue for expressing myself,” she says. “I love playing with shapes, forms, and colors. It’s fascinating to see how differently each observer interprets my paintings. Often, their interpretations surprise and intrigue me. This element of mystery and personal discovery is what I find most captivating about abstract art. Each piece becomes an adventure, revealing its own unique beauty.”

Liz Goor’s work is celebrated internationally, with paintings displayed across the US, Belgium, France, and Great Britain. She is an active member of several prominent art organizations, including the Artist’s Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, the South County Art Association, and the Lyme Art Association.

“For me, painting is the path to creation, self-expression and self-awareness, as well as confidence,” Liz reflects. “My art is my way to bring pleasure to others while living the dream.” Through her art, Liz continues to explore and share the wonders of abstract expressionism, inviting others to join her on this captivating journey.