This workshop is dedicated to the alchemy of materials. Students will begin by creating surfaces using handmade gesso on wood panels followed by pencil, charcoal, and pastel markings. Later, acrylics, oils, papers, glues, waxes, encaustics, and objects are introduced. Students will then build, add, subtract, layer, emboss, melt, paint, collage, and bind together their work into something larger than their parts. Spontaneous exercises will be provided to give new ways to approach technique and process. There will be time set aside for group discussions and critiques on the process of the practical, outrageous, and the philosophical. This is an excellent workshop for those seeking to expand their art practice and stimulate their hidden muse.