An Encaustic Painting and Mixed Media Lab will be taught by professional artist Karen Eide from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Arts on Main in Gloucester.

Encaustic painting is an ancient process dating to the 5th century BC, said a press release. Pigmented beeswax is heated on a griddle and applied to rigid panels with brushes. The result is a luminous, richly layered work that has its own unique character.

Students will learn classic encaustic painting techniques and explore how to combine them with contemporary processes such as surface embellishment, image transfer, incising, collaging, and creating marks and images with oil paints, pastels, markers, and inks, said the release, adding that the process is “an ideal complement” for oil painters, printmakers, collagists, sculptors, watercolorists and other artists.

The lab will provide information on supply sources, setting up a studio for encaustic work, safety guidelines, framing and exhibition considerations,...