Beginner Art Classes with Cold Wax and Oil: No Rules, Just Creativity
SCROLL DOWN FOR LEARNING RESOURCES
More Classes Coming Soon!
Sign up for notices of classes & art events
Art becomes pure magic when you approach it with curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and a big dose of joy. It’s healing, fun, grounding for the mind–body–spirit, a little bit zen, and incredibly rewarding.
I only started my art journey 2.5 years ago, so by conventional wisdom I shouldn’t be “qualified” to teach… and yet here I am — because art doesn’t care about rules like that.
My mantra? Make messes. Try new things. Have fun.
In my classes, we skip the intimidating stuff — no lectures on art theory, color science, or fancy terminology. Instead, we just play. I show you the basics of the medium I adore (cold wax and oil), and you get to blend, layer, press in textures, and watch in delight as colors mingle, patterns appear, and the worries of your day melt away. Before you know it, you’ve slipped into that lovely zen zone where creativity takes the lead.
Whether you walk away inspired to dive deeper into the world of cold wax and oil or feel called to explore entirely different mediums, that’s the beauty of it — my classes are about starting you on a joyful path of making art simply for the fun of it, with no goal other than delight.
Gather up friends (up to six) – let’s play with paint!
STUDENT RESOURCES
Supply links and instructional videos.
Techniques to play with and advance your skill level.
A worksheet to guide you in creating without attachment to outcome.
Ten abstract composition designs.
Credit: David M. Kessler
Composition example and value study.
ART CLASS TESTIMONIALS:
- Suzy your teaching style is so supportive and you are too. sp
- Appreciated guidance and pace. Really like being able to take tools home to play.
- It was so great to be in a room with a bunch of positive, creative and kind women. Honestly, it was the most relaxed, and playful thing I’ve done in a while. Thanks again for cultivating such a welcoming vibe. It always starts with the leader, and you held the energy in the room beautifully! -DW
- I loved the open invitation to just create whatever and not get tied to how it is supposed to look.
- Love your easy-going teaching style.
- It was so fun! Who knew that making messes could be so fun!
-
“I finally got to try the cold wax and oil class that Suzy Carroll teaches, and I was absolutely hooked from the minute I sat down. After quick but truly meaningful introductions with the other participants, Suzy walked us through the nitty-gritty, fabulously enticing how-to basics …and after that, the only rules seemed to be have fun, be creative, and go for it! How often do we get exactly that? Permission to explore. No such thing as a mistake. Just layered discovery.
I really enjoyed the flexibility the wax offers; incredibly malleable, allowing creative sparks to ignite in the most unexpected ways. Suzy’s love of this medium is completely contagious, and her willingness to share her knowledge and experience feels like it comes from a place of genuine, collaborative encouragement. The kind you only get from really good friends. Thank you, Suzy, for shining your beautiful light on such a fun artistic adventure.” ~Crystal Craig
For memory sake – coaching testimonials.
I had the BEST clients – Thank you!
“Through Suzy’s ‘Emerge into Joy’ program and subsequent year-long sabbatical mentoring; I learned that when I do things for my happiness and joy, the world responds. By bringing the message of love into my work through symbol and energy, I found balance and happiness for the first time in my career and life. Not only have I achieved being debt-free, but I also enjoyed the second highest-grossing year in my business – while on sabbatical!“
~Stephanie Benson, Metalsmith Jeweler, Seattle WA www.stephaniebensondesigns.com
“After a year of a lot of loss, I started to really question where I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted a change as what used to fulfill me, especially my career, just wasn’t anymore. Suzy’s program helped me take a step back and really get in touch with what I WANTED, not what my job wanted, not what my clients wanted, not what my family wanted… but what I really wanted. Through her amazing course, I found my voice and more importantly my joy. I have honestly never been more fulfilled, happier, and clear and that alone has been the biggest and best gift.” ~Tori Repka-Geller, IMBA, CIC, President of Trace of Hope, Inc. and LOAMLife Consulting, Inc., Manhattan, NY, www.traceofhope.org
“I needed to do SOMETHING to move my business ideas forward, and I liked a lot of what I’d read on Suzy’s blog. I went into our work together thinking I’d emerge with a business plan, or some other concrete “product.” What I got out of it was SO much more valuable! I was able to identify all the ways I limit myself, look at self-sabotaging behaviors, and explore the reasons behind my lack of confidence in my work. As a result of my work with Suzy, I have started saying NO to things (which is huge for me), and when people ask me what I do for work, I’ve stopped saying, “I’m trying to start a business” and started saying, “I have a business.” Through this program, I really recognized how important the work I’m doing is to me, and I’ve started putting myself out in the world with more confidence. I’m meeting with my first paying clients this afternoon!” [1 year later Carrie’s business is 100% solvent!] ~Carrie Andrews Advanced Care Planning & Patient Advocacy, www.peaceofmindpt.com
“I’m more comfortable, at peace, loving, and kinder to myself through my time with Suzy. I’m learning to catch thoughts and feelings that don’t support me, pivot, and release them while integrating more compassion. I feel that I am building a safe container and coming home to ‘me’ again. I’m more spacious and know I can trust myself to make good decisions. Suzy’s work is subtle and powerful – I’m so glad I had the courage to reach out for our initial 30-minute chat that began my pivotal inward journey. With heartfelt appreciation for you and our time together.” ~Sarah Lilly, England
“Working with Suzy is like receiving a giant hug! A hug that reassures, encourages, and reminds us of both our humanness AND are amazingness. Through working with Suzy, I understood how hard I can be on myself and how to see myself, my work, and my life in a different, more compassionate way. Suzy coached me through a year-long personal sabbatical during which time I focused on changing the way I run my business as a solopreneur. Suzy helped me to identify my own path to joy and a heart-centered space. She helped me see how operating from that place fundamentally changes how I show up for myself IN my own business and how much more enjoyable, sustainable, and profitable my work can be. I’m forever grateful to Suzy for her kind, thoughtful, and loving support during this time of my personal and professional development.” ~Kathleen Dowd, Intuitive Energy Healing Guide
“My business was booked solid but I was taxed and overwhelmed. My energy wasn’t on point–I felt it and my clients felt it, too. It came to a head when my family and I were planning a big trip to Europe, and I was overdoing it–trying to make money and work extra hours, so I could stay ahead. My fatigue was catching up with me, and my sleep was worse. Suzy showed me ways to lighten my load and I actually created more abundance that way. I came out ahead financially. And even today, I’m healthy, on point, present, and I’m not a crabby mom. I work less hours and now have a wait list of clients. When you talk with Suzy you don’t feel like you’re being judged and that for me is big. She can deal with such a variety of people, and she’s very open and approachable, and she is a good soul. I trust her completely.” ~Julie H., Face of Grace Skincare, Port Townsend, WA www.faceofgraceskincare.com
“I am so glad I found you. Deep breath. Just to have connected with you has made me feel less alone. Your words of wisdom about being in transition and giving myself permission has helped so much. I have post-its all around saying, ‘I give myself permission.’ The shift has been huge for me internally.” ~Anne, Australia
“Suzy was recommended to me by two separate people because she has a knack for clearing out the cobwebs and bringing clarity. I was struggling with how to feel whole and worthy in my life. Trying to find the path that would truly be the most beneficial for me. She provided lots of questions and exercises to help get the grit out on the page and bring forth a better understanding of what I wanted. She takes you deep into a realm, that most of us don’t explore, but it’s crucial, to reach the point of clarity I was seeking. She taught me to look at life from a more positive, mindful perspective and gave me the very important tools & confidence to make new transformative habits. She is the best mentor ever!!!” ~Kirsten Campbell, Real Estate Agent
“Within the first two sessions, Suzy helped uncover a memory that started the process of unraveling my fear of failure. Such quick change happened with gentle, light-hearted conversations; pointed questions; simple, relevant goal setting; lots of laughter, and a few releasing tears–no pushing. I wouldn’t trust just anyone to mentor me, but Suzy has led a life that I admire. She has been through enough growing pains and bumpy roads of her own, that I trust her wisdom. She also has challenged herself to be completely true to her inner knowing. I love how Suzy glows. I love her commitment to joy and ease. I love her strength of character. I love her unpretentious spirituality. I love the mischievous look on her face when she is ready to give me an assignment. Each week I look forward to what I can work on next.” ~Anna H., Port Townsend, WA
“I have known Suzy for over 15 years and have witnessed her overcome her own busyness and transform her life. She is an inspiration to so many, a gifted teacher and mentor. I have gained so much personally from her deep wisdom and insightful coaching. She truly walks her talk. I am honored to call her a dear friend and excited about the important work she is doing to help women do less and live more! If you have a chance to work with Suzy, just do it!” ~Barbara Huson [Stanny], Author, Leading Authority of Women and Wealth. www.barbara-huson.com
“Suzy has a gift and talent for creating a safe space, whether it’s bringing a group of people together, or building trust one-on-one. When you talk to Suzy she is with you, she is engaged—and you don’t have to second-guess that. Through her storytelling and sharing, she is an exceptional model that ‘YES’, what you want can be done, work through the overwhelm, and move into the next phase of your life. I’ve witnessed her help many women, including myself, push through the barriers that hold us back.” ~Kristin, KMI Insurance, Port Townsend, WA