Megan MacDonald (she/her) is a multi disciplinarian visual artist and instructor.

West coast girl at heart, Megan is drawn to natural and organic forms, the energy of hand-drawn lines, and the alchemy that occurs with the convergence of natural elements. Megan gravitated to encaustics due to its beautiful depth and luminosity, as well as, the myriad of possibilities this medium offers. Although she continues to explore a variety of mediums in her art practice, her focus is primarily centred on encaustic.

Through formal education, Megan studied fine art at Emily Carr University and resumed her studies through Emily Carr’s Continuing Education programs. Megan was apart of the in-depth colour study program which was started by Tom Hudson. Additionally, she has taken part in the Golden Acrylics retailers program and has been a guest instructor for a wide variety of groups and institutions. 

Megan has been instructing and mentoring for over 20 years and owned and operated an artisan gallery and studio for 10 years. She served on the board of the Delta Arts Council, co founded a non profit group artists group and has curated and juried numerous art shows. 

Much to her delight, Megan is the first Canadian Artist to be invited into Artist Instructor Program for R&F Handmade Paints. In 2022 she was an instructor and presenter for the International Encaustic Artists conference at Morro Bay and this June will be instructing at the International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Megan MacDonald is an award-winning artist who’s work has been in juried exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Her work can be found in numerous private collections around the globe. Megan continues to create and instruct out of her studio, The Crow’s Nest Art Studio, in Kelowna, BC.

About Encaustic Painting

Encaustic painting encompasses working with a carefully combined mixture of beeswax and damar resin. The wax is kept in a fluid state on a heated palette. Layers of clear medium and pigmented wax are painted over the surface.  Once the base layers of wax are applied, they are followed by layers of pigmented encaustic medium. Multiple layers of encaustic medium and paint are brushed over the surface then fused together using a torch. Layers can be built up, scraped back, and carved into. The paintings are then finished with oil paint which is rubbed into the crevices of the wax. Later powdered metallic pigments are rubbed into the surface to create a further glow.  Once the painting has finished drying (curing) it is then buffed with a soft cloth so the lustre of the surface can be enjoyed.