Art Workshops
What I Offer
Create, explore and enjoy the process
I offer small, in-person art workshops that encourage experimentation, confidence and creative freedom. These relaxed, hands-on sessions focus on process rather than perfection, with clear guidance, quality materials and plenty of time to explore your own approach.
All workshops are suitable for beginners through to more experienced artists. Full details, dates and booking information can be found below.
If you want to be the first to hear about new workshops coming up let’s stay in touch - join my email list at the bottom of this page and download my free oil and cold wax guide.
The Learning Connexion Workshops
I have come full circle from being a student at The Learning Connexion in the 90s to becoming a tutor of one-day oil and cold wax workshops at The Learning Connexion, 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Taita, Lower Hutt on:
Saturday 19 September 2026 10am-4pm
Saturday 28 November 2026 10am-4pm
These workshops are suitable for beginners and experienced artists. I will be teaching lots of techniques you can do with this amazing medium and you will take 6-8 abstract works home on oil paper. I supply all materials and use of tools.
See The Learning Connexion for more details and to reserve your place.
Garden Art Studio Workshops
“My purpose-built garden studio in Peka Peka provides a relaxed, inspiring space for learning, with a maximum of four participants.”
Oil and Cold Wax Abstract Workshop - 2 days
98 Paetawa Road, Peka Peka, Waikanae
Friday 13 November 2026 09:30AM-12:00PM
Saturday 14 November 2026 09:45AM-3:00PM
Suitable for complete beginners and artists who would like to build confidence with this exciting medium.
Day 1 - Learn techniques to build layers of oil and cold wax and create texture on oil paper using unusual tools - not brushes.
Day 2 - Learn additional techniques possible on semi-dry work. Karen will also demonstrate resolving an abstract piece using the Abstract Painting Checklist. Students will then be free to apply all that they have learned in developing and resolving their own pieces.
By the end of the workshop you will take home 6-8 studies on A4 and A3 oil paper. You will receive a printed Oil and Cold Wax Guide and the Abstract Painting Checklist to help you continue painting with confidence.
This workshop gives students more time to develop and resolve some of their work compared to the 1-day introductory workshop.
All materials and tools are included.
Maximum of 4 participants.
$250 per person.
Please note bookings are not refundable (unless workshop is cancelled) but they are transferable to another person arranged by you - see frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
Introduction to Oil & Cold Wax - 1 day
98 Paetawa Road, Peka Peka, Waikanae
Saturday 30 January 2027 9:45am-4:00pm
Suitable for complete beginners and artists who would like to build confidence with this exciting medium, this workshop provides a solid foundation in the techniques and materials used in oil and cold wax painting.
Through a series of guided exercises, you'll learn how to mix and apply oil and cold wax, build layered surfaces, create texture using a variety of tools, and explore mark making, revealing previous layers and other expressive techniques.
By the end of the workshop, you'll take home approximately 6 studies on oil paper, along with the knowledge and skills to continue exploring this versatile and rewarding medium at home.
All materials and the use of professional tools are included.
Maximum of 4 participants.
$195 per person
Please note bookings are not refundable (unless workshop is cancelled) but they are transferable to another person arranged by you - see frequently asked questions at the bottom of this page.
Abstract Oil & Cold Wax Workshop
98 Paetawa Road, Peka Peka, Waikanae (in artist’s garden art studio)
Friday 13 November 2026| 09:30am-12:00pm
Saturday 14 November 2026 | 09:45am–3pm
Relaxed hands-on workshop. Suitable for beginners through to experienced artists.
Day 1 (9:30am-12:00pm)
Work through demonstrated exercises to explore layering, texture and intuitive mark-making using oil paint and cold wax on oil paper.
Day 2 (9:45am-3:00pm)
Work through some other mark making exercises on semi-dry pieces.
Karen will demonstrate taking a piece through to final stages, assisted by her abstract painting checklist. You will be able to develop and resolve work on your favourite pieces assisted by the checklist and guidance from Karen.
All materials and tools supplied — just bring an apron or wear old clothes. You will create 6-8 studies on A4 and A3 oil paper.
Tea and coffee will be supplied. Please bring your own lunch on the second day. Also bring a piece of cardboard at least A3 size to be able to transport work home. It will be interleaved with baking paper.
Please note:
Tickets are transferable but non-refundable unless the workshop is cancelled.
Places are limited to 4 participants.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Karen.
Oil & Cold Wax Workshop
98 Paetawa Road, Peka Peka, Waikanae (in artist’s garden art studio)
Saturday 30 January 2027 | 9:45am–4:00pm
Explore layering, texture and intuitive mark-making using oil paint and cold wax in this relaxed, hands-on workshop. Suitable for beginners through to experienced artists.
All materials and tools supplied — just bring an apron or wear old clothes. You will create approximately 6 studies on oil paper.
You will receive an 8-page oil and cold wax guide to help you continue oil and cold wax painting with confidence.
Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be supplied. Also bring a piece of cardboard at least A3 size to be able to transport work home. The work will be interleaved with baking paper.
Please note:
Tickets are transferable but non-refundable unless the workshop is cancelled.
Places are limited to 4 participants.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Karen.
Garden Art Studio Private Workshops
If the dates of the workshops, don’t suit you why not book your own private workshop. You can book for yourself, bring a friend or a small group of friends - maximum 4 people.
2027 Workshops planned - more info coming soon
Sat 13 February 2027 - 1 day at my Peka Peka Art Studio
Exploring Landscapes in oil and cold wax
Sat 6 March 2027 - 1 day at Inverlochy Art School, Wellington
Abstracts in oil and cold wax
Sat 3 April 2027 - 1 day at Mana Art Society, Plimmerton
Abstracts in oil and cold wax
What students say about my workshops
“The workshop was amazing value, informative, professional and loads of fun. Fantastic for all levels. Karen has a relaxed style and was generous with her knowledge, support, useful tips and materials. She gave me the freedom to explore all the techniques she shared.”
“Demos and information really great. Nice and relaxed. it’s creative, interesting and fun.”
“So much fun. Great day out to try something new. Wonderful and encouraging tutor and you go home with fantastic art pieces you created all by yourself. So rewarding. ”
“Very good teaching. Accessible technique and result for all levels. Fun. Supportive. Experimental”
“Fabulous workshop! This is a wonderful medium that will give you immediate results to take home. I enjoyed the exercises and variety and found the workshop supportive, fun and energising.”
“Outstanding workshop. I enjoyed the technique, the tutor, the pace and really enjoyed we could work at our own pace. I found the workshop exciting, creative and innovative.”
“This is a great workshop for people of all levels of ability and you will produce many pieces to take away with you. I found it fun and inspiring.”
“A lovely technique for any ‘artist’ to explore. Easy to start. Very good value for money. Excellent, patient tuition.”
“Thank you for the lovely workshop! I totally loved it and have been buzzing ever since.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Some painting experience is helpful, but you don’t need previous experience with oil and cold wax. Everything will be demonstrated step by step.
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All materials are supplied, including oil paint, cold wax medium, and substrates eg oil paper for your workshop. Please bring your own lunch. Just bring yourself and wear old clothes or an apron.
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This workshop focuses on exploratory studies rather than producing one finished masterpiece. You’ll leave with several layered pieces and the skills to continue developing them at home.
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Bookings made direct with Karen Piercy are non-refundable. However, your place is transferable. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to arrange for someone else to take your place. Any financial arrangements are to be handled privately between you and the replacement participant.
Note: Where Karen is contracted by other organisations to tutor, (eg The Learning Connexion) the policy of that organisation, that you booked through, will apply. -
In the unlikely event that I need to cancel the workshop, participants will be offered either a full refund or the option to transfer to a rescheduled date.
If Karen has been contracted by another organisation to tutor a workshop (eg The Learning Connexion,) the policy of the organisation you booked through will apply.
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That’s completely normal. My workshops are designed to be relaxed, supportive and exploratory. There’s no pressure to produce a perfect finished painting. You’ll be guided step by step and encouraged to experiment at your own pace in a friendly, welcoming environment.
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Yes. A small selection of oil and cold wax supplies — including cold wax medium — will be available to purchase if you’d like to continue working at home. There is no obligation to buy.
Download my free 9-page fully illustrated printable Oil & Cold Wax Beginners Guide and be first to hear about future workshops and studio classes.