Alaina Enslen
About Alaina
Alaina Enslen (1977 Oscoda, Michigan) holds a BFA from the University of Montevallo. She currently resides in the Hudson Valley, New York, and has been painting and teaching for over twenty years. Enslen has exhibited at Caleidoscópio at the University of Lisbon, the University of Coimbra, the Folio International Literary Festival, the Susquehanna Art Museum (PA), and the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum (NY), among others. She is a recipient of grants from the International Encaustic Artists and the Luso-American Development Foundation. Her work has been described as “part artifact, part event, [as] she emancipates a fixed past with a limitless present” (Art Spiel). Her work has been published by the Paul W. Bryant Museum and in Chiricu journal (Indiana University Press).
Enslen is a Certified Instructor for R&F Handmade Paints and a Freelance Educator at the Garrison Art Center and Storm King Art Center in New York. She has taught workshops and given presentations in the U.S., Portugal, and Brazil. Enslen is represented by Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson, New York.
You can view Alaina’s work at:
Class Details
Exploring Sketchbooks: Shaping Your Style (60 minutes)
Sketchbooks are a powerful tool for discovering and refining your artistic voice. In this class, we’ll explore three of my personal sketchbooks, each dedicated to a different aspect of creative exploration: form and composition, color, and encaustic cloth collage. Through guided discussions and live demonstrations, you’ll gain insight into how sketchbooks can be used to experiment, develop ideas, and shape your style.
Threaded in Wax: Weaving Stories into Encaustic
Elevate your encaustic artwork by adding texture, dimension, and personal meaning through thread and stitching techniques. You’ll learn six versatile stitching methods, discovering how to use thread as a line to guide your compositions and enhance the depth of your work. Whether you're experienced with encaustics or just starting, this class will show you how to weave intricate details into your pieces, creating artwork that’s rich in texture, symbolism, and storytelling. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to integrate thread and stitching into your encaustic practice, transforming your artwork into something truly unique.
