Module 01
Getting Started
Your introduction to cold wax medium, what it is, how it behaves with oils, and the foundations that make every layer afterwards possible.
Cold Wax & Oils: The Basics
Create rich, textured paintings with cold wax medium and oil paints, even if you are completely new to the medium.
Full Class · Cold Wax & Oils
Do you love rich, layered paintings but feel unsure where to start?
Cold wax and oils can create the most beautiful textures and layers. But when you are new to the medium, it can also feel a little difficult.
In this class, I guide you step by step through the basics, so you can stop guessing and start painting with more confidence.
You will learn how the medium behaves, how to build layers, which techniques to use and when, when to let things dry, and how to create paintings that feel textured, expressive and full of depth.
This is not about copying perfectly. It is about discovering what cold wax and oils can do, and finding your own way of working with them.
Start anytime, work at your own pace, and enjoy lifetime access. This is a self-guided class, but you can always reach out by email with questions.
The full curriculum
What's inside the class
Six modules that build from the foundations into three complete painting projects in cold wax and oils.
Module 02
Tools of the Trade
Everything you need to know about palette knives, bowl scrapers, brayers, stencils, and the best surfaces for cold wax and oils.
Module 03
Your Technique Toolbox
Your complete guide to every cold wax & oils technique: scraping, layering, veils, marks, transfers, solvent effects, powders, collage, and gold leaf.
Module 04
Mini Abstracts
Put the techniques into practice. A gentle starting point to explore colour, texture, mark-making and composition without pressure.
Module 05
Lush Landscape
A layered landscape project where you learn how to create depth, atmosphere and interesting surfaces.
Module 06
Floral Flourish
A more expressive floral painting where everything comes together using texture, collage, gold leaf, marks and layers.
Bonus
Bonus · Create Your Own Texture Tools
A bonus lesson where I show you how to make your own stamps and texture tools from things around the house. Turn everyday objects into the marks and patterns that make your paintings yours.
If you have been curious about cold wax and oils, this class is a lovely place to begin.
We start with the materials and the techniques, and then paint some beautiful textured artworks.
Nothing too complicated, just step by step, with lots of room to experiment.
Watch the short video below to see what we create inside 👇
Who it's for
This is for you if…
- You love textured, layered paintings
- You want to try cold wax and oils without feeling overwhelmed
- You prefer step-by-step guidance with room for personal style
- You want to understand tools, techniques, layers, drying stages and finishing touches
Inside the class
What you'll take with you
- Choose basic tools and cold wax techniques
- Build texture with palette knives and bowl scrapers
- Create veils, marks, transfers and solvent effects
- Use powders, pigments, collage and gold leaf
- Complete three small-to-medium projects with confidence
- Prefer French or Dutch? Every lesson is translated, with subtitles on all videos.
Meet your instructor
Marina Teding van Berkhout
Cold wax artist & instructor
I'm Marina, a Dutch professional artist living in the south of France. I've been painting with cold wax and oils for years and I love how this medium lets you build layers, scrape back, and let the painting tell you where to go next. In this class I share everything I've learned, the tools, the techniques, the order of things, so you can stop guessing and start enjoying the process.
Look what you can create
Student work 💙
Questions?
Frequently asked
What is cold wax medium and how is it used in painting?+
Cold wax medium is a paste-like blend of beeswax, solvent, and resin that's mixed with oil paints to create textured, matte surfaces and beautiful layers. Unlike encaustic, it's applied at room temperature, no heat. Gamblin is the most popular brand. You mix it with your oils and apply with palette knives and scrapers.
Is this class suitable for beginners who have never used cold wax?+
Yes. The class starts from the fundamentals, tools, surface preparation, how to mix the wax with your paints, and the basic methods, so a complete beginner is making their first textured painting by Module 4.
What brand of cold wax medium do you recommend?+
I recommend Gamblin cold wax medium for its quality and availability. Zest-it is a good alternative, especially if you prefer a low-odour solvent. Full supply recommendations are inside Module 2, Tools of the Trade.
Can I use acrylics instead of oils?+
This class is designed for oil paints combined with cold wax medium. If you'd rather work in acrylics, I have a separate class called Textured Acrylics — The Basics, which uses Powerwax or another heavy gel medium to create the same beautiful textured effects as cold wax and oils.
What tools and supplies do I need?+
Cold wax medium, oil paints, palette knives, bowl scrapers, brayers, and rigid painting surfaces. We don't use traditional brushes much. The full supply list with brand recommendations is in Module 1.
How long does cold wax medium take to dry?+
Touch-dry is usually one to two days depending on layer thickness. Understanding drying stages matters, specific techniques work best at specific stages, and the class covers all of this in detail.
Is cold wax painting only for abstract artists?+
Not at all. The medium works beautifully for landscapes, florals, figurative work and portraits. This class covers abstracts, a landscape, and a floral so you can see the range.
How long do I have access to the class?+
Lifetime. Come back to the lessons whenever you want, paint along more than once if you like, many students do.
Keep painting with me
The Texture Lab membership
If you loved this class, join The Texture Lab for fresh lessons, creative prompts, and warm support to keep your art practice moving.
View membershipClass is open!
Grab your paints, pour a coffee, and let's create something beautiful together.
$149 · One-time payment · Lifetime access · Secure checkout