On 3 February 2025, an exclusive workshop on oil stick bars and encaustic painting was held at MATDOT Art Center. Led by renowned artist Nipan Suwannagas, the event introduced participants to these unique painting techniques. Nipan, the founder of facebook page ‘Mister. NP’ and ‘MISTER NP ART SPACE,’ is a key figure in importing high-quality art materials and tools for creative expression.

The workshop brought together both Thai and international artists, including Somsak Chowtadapong, Adisak Somkong, Palut Marod, Theerawat Nuchcharoenpol, and Gianluca Vernizzi. These artists experimented with the materials, exploring their creative potential.

Oil stick bars can be best described as “crayons” made primarily from oil paint mixed with a special wax formula. Unlike traditional oil paints that require brushes, oil stick bars allow artists to apply colour directly by hand, offering greater control over texture and movement. Their compact, solid form also makes them easy to transport and use on the go.

The workshop also featured encaustic painting, an ancient Greek technique dating back over 2,000 years. This method involves mixing pigment powder with wax to create vibrant, durable colours. Historically used in painting, architecture, and decoration, encaustic paint allows for custom colour blending before being fused with wax, resulting in a rich and layered artistic effect.

The event highlighted the blend of traditional and modern approaches, inspiring artists to explore new creative possibilities in their work.