5.0 stars (17+)
Melissa Stephens
location_on Walnut Creek, Oakland (Bay Area)
local_activity classes: Paint and Sip • Painting • Paper Craft and Ink
5.0 (7)
1k followers
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I received my BA from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and continue my arts education though workshops and specialized instruction. Currently living in Walnut Creek, CA, I am an encaustic painting instructor, working artist and advocate for the arts. In 2020, I co-developed a virtual gallery and developed a YouTube channel called The Encaustic Edge. I also started a business coaching artists, at all levels in their careers. I serve on several art boards, volunteer at galleries in the San Francisco Bay area, and host live and virtual encaustic demonstrations.
Encaustic is an ancient artform that originates with the Greeks and Egyptians. Layers of molten beeswax and a blow torch are my idea of a good time!
Through the years, I have discovered how fulfilling it is to teach the art I love to make. It is my pleasure to feed people’s creative appetites, give them new knowledge and share ideas. My artwork has been exhibited in Turkey, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Washington, New York, and California, and I have collectors around the globe.
Classes
Reviews
(7)
Sonnia Jean Kemmer • Nov 2023
Melissa Stephens was a great teacher. She knows her craft and very willing to share to others. She's knowledgeable on a lot of artistic aspects, and I'm very much interested to attend another class of hers. Her art studio was perfect for the class, very spacious, open, and motivational. She has lots of materials/tools. The whole class made me feel like a kid again, playing with different colors and learning all kinds of tips and tricks. It was a wonderful experience.
Elizabeth Springs • Jan 2023
Melissa is so knowledgeable on the subject matter and a very patient instructor for someone with no experience. It was such fun to create something new on the first go.
Sara Sha • Nov 2022
I took the encaustic photography class with Melissa today. It was such a fun class! Melissa taught me so much. She had three of my photographs ready to paint with wax. Her studio was set up really great with so many pretty paintings hanging. I thought it was awesome that she makes her own paints! I might buy some products to make more encaustic paintings.
I definitely would recommend this class!
Eveline Saur • Dec 2021
I gifted this class to my mom and couldn't be happier! Melissa did a wonderful job meeting her student where they're at and teaching new techniques. She's a kind and encouraging teacher. Her studio setup is awesome, too! I highly recommend this class!
