The first thing I notice when someone is new to encaustic isn’t excitement—it’s hesitation. They’ll look at the hot plate, glance at the wax, and ask quietly, “Am I going to mess this up?” That question usually has less to do with ability and more to do with tools. Encaustic feels unfamiliar at first, and unfamiliar materials can make even confident artists pause. The truth is, encaustic doesn’t require a complicated setup—but it does benefit from the right tools, chosen tho

Sometimes prayer looks like silence.Sometimes it looks like Scripture, song, or reflection. And sometimes… prayer looks like paint on a canvas. Over the past several years, something beautiful has begun to unfold through a ministry I now call the Created to Create™ Prayer Painting Series . What began as a small Lenten reflection in 2023 has slowly grown into a collection of prayerful experiences that invite people to encounter God through creativity. At the heart of the serie

Encaustic painting is a fascinating and ancient art form that invites you to explore color, texture, and layering in a way that few other mediums allow. As someone who has spent years teaching and experimenting with encaustic techniques, I find it to be a deeply rewarding process that encourages curiosity and hands-on learning. Whether you are new to encaustic or looking to deepen your understanding, this post will guide you through the essentials with clarity and encourageme

Mixed media has always been about possibility—but lately, I’ve been noticing a shift in how artists are choosing to use it. As we move toward 2026, the excitement isn’t coming from louder techniques or more materials. It’s coming from slower layering, thoughtful choices, and work that feels both tactile and lived-in . In the studio, mixed media is becoming less about combining everything at once and more about listening to what materials are already doing. Innovation, right

The first time someone steps into my studio for an encaustic workshop, there’s almost always a pause. They look at the heated palette.They notice the wax.They glance at the tools they don’t recognize yet. And then—usually with a small laugh—they say something like, “I’ve never done anything like this before… I’m a little nervous.” I always smile, because that moment tells me everything. Every encaustic class starts here: a warm palette, familiar tools, and the reminder that y

There’s a moment that happens when you encounter original art. You’re not looking for it. You ’re not rushing. And suddenly— there it is. A painting that makes you pause. That feels familiar and exciting at the same time. It doesn’t just match your space… it belongs there. That’s the magic of buying original fine art. Art gallery showcasing original paintings Why Original Art Hits Different Original art isn’t décor pulled from a warehouse. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece made by

Some bodies of work arrive gently.This one did not. What the Heat Leaves is a series shaped by fortitude and perseverance—by the kind of growth that is forged through difficult conditions rather than softened by them. It asks what survives sustained pressure, what refuses to burn away, and how what remains continues to become something stronger, more resolved, and more present. This work is not about recovery as an endpoint. It is about formation. Heat as a Condition, Not a

Creating art can feel intimidating if you’ve never worked with an artist before. You might wonder if you need special skills, if the process will be complicated, or if your ideas will be understood. At Ellis Visual Arts, Ashley Ellis makes sure that working with an artist is simple, welcoming, and fun. Whether you’re a beginner, a family, a business, or a community group, Ashley offers guided, thoughtfully planned experiences that bring creativity to life in ways that fit you

Have you ever wanted a creative experience that actually transforms how you feel , connects you with others, or brings joy into your home — even if you’ve never painted before? At Ellis Visual Arts , we believe art shouldn’t be intimidating, it should be empowering. That’s where artistic services step in — providing meaningful creative experiences tailored to you. In this guide, you’ll discover what these services really are, the benefits they offer, and how to choose the r

In the world of creative making, finding art materials that are both versatile and user-friendly can transform your workshops, classes, and studio projects. JESIN is one such material — a modern casting medium that blends simplicity, strength, and eco-conscious design to help artists and creative facilitators unlock more possibilities in every pour. Why Choose JESIN for Your Workshops? Safety First:  JESIN is a water-based medium with no VOCs, making it suitable for partici

Discover the Unique World of JESIN: A Creative Must-Have for DIY Enthusiasts Greetings, DIY enthusiasts! Dive into a realm where creativity knows no bounds, and every project is an opportunity to unleash your artistic spirit. In the vibrant DIY landscape, there's a newcomer that's been making waves since 2023: JESIN, introduced by COLORBERRY. But how does it stand apart from the traditional epoxy resin we've all come to know and love? Let's embark on this exploratory journey

Discover Jesin, the sustainable, versatile and nontoxic material that's transforming the world of art, DIY, design, homewares and more. Journey with me as we launch this product in the US in 2024!! When I first started working with JESIN, what stood out to me wasn’t just how versatile it was—it was how approachable it felt. So many pouring and casting materials come with a steep learning curve or intimidating safety concerns. JESIN felt different from the start. It invited ex

🍂 Falltime is Here, and So is my Online Destash Art Sale! 🍂 The leaves are turning, there's a crispness in the air, and it's the...

Are you ready to embark on an artistic adventure with young, budding Picassos? Organizing a 4-day kids' art camp can be a magical...

Are you ready to embark on a creative journey where small things make a big impact? Introducing our latest innovation - the "Miniature...

This July, young artists in the making gathered to embark on an unforgettable creative journey at the Kids Art Camp led by Ashley Ellis....

Have you ever been captivated by the rich, textured beauty of encaustic art? If so, you were in for a treat at the two-day Encaustic...

There’s a certain kind of energy that settles into the art room right before a new project begins—the kind where curiosity is buzzing and ideas are just waiting to spill out. That’s exactly where we are as my middle school students begin an Artist Trading Card (ATC) mixed media unit , and I’ll be honest: this is one of the projects I’ve been most excited to teach all year. Artist Trading Cards are small by design—just 2.5" x 3.5" —but they open up a surprisingly big world of

Looking for some great games to play this Thanksgiving Print them off for your own family Thanksgiving! ENJOY! Warmly, Ashley Ellis

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