Questions & Answers
If I’m already a CORE or FULL Member, what do I do about ESSENTIAL and Essential PLUS Memberships?
In short, nothing. If you are currently a CORE or FULL Member, you do not need to do anything now. Your current membership, access, and benefits will continue until your current membership expiration date. (You can find this expiration date in the ACCOUNT section when you log in to our site.) However, when your current membership expires, you will not be able to renew your CORE or FULL Membership. From that point on, to continue your access and benefits, you will need to enroll as an ESSENTIAL or Essential PLUS Member at their current rates. Your ESSENTIAL or Essential PLUS Memberships begin the day you purchase them, so there is no need to enroll in ESSENTIAL or Essential PLUS until on or near the expiration date of your CORE or FULL Membership.
“I am so impressed with your teaching, the LIVE classes, and all that you cover! I’m ALL IN as a PLUS Member.” – EK Waller
What is the difference between Essential PLUS and FULL Memberships?
If you are currently a FULL Member, you will not notice much difference between FULL and Essential PLUS Memberships. We updated our Memberships to reflect the change in our Year 3 Program (starting in January 2023). In January 2023 we will change from our current quarterly schedule with 8-10 LIVE Sessions per quarter to a LIVE Session every other week. Our Year 3 Programming will be more personal and more interactive with LIVE Member Critiques every other month and LIVE Member Mentoring every other month. Remaining sessions will consist of LIVE Painting Progress Support, guest speakers, panel discussions, and more. FULL and Essential PLUS Members will have access to exclusive discounts not offered to our CORE or ESSENTIAL members. In addition, FULL and PLUS Members are also invited to participate in our NEW Annual Juried Exhibit. Both FULL and PLUS Members will have access to our Cold Wax Video Workshop as well as Jerry’s 12 Essential Lessons and 6 Mentoring Messages.
Is Cold Wax Academy only for artists working with cold wax medium?
Any artist who paints will benefit from our content! While our technical content has a unique focus on cold wax medium and oils, most of our content is valuable to all ways of painting. We cover color, value, line, shape, and texture. We talk about composition, editing, style, and personal voice. We also have content and guest speakers that help artists with professional development in their art practice.
“I have been painting for many years. Jerry & Rebecca’s teaching can be applied to other media as well. Thank you for helping me become a more confident artist!” -Josie Tilton
Is CWA just for beginners?
We address ALL LEVELS of experience, from beginners to more advanced artists. Our sessions cover basic content then explore it further. As artists grow, they can view the lessons again to gain deeper knowledge of subjects that interest them.
“This membership is such a good value. It always makes you stretch yourself.” – Maggie Bruce
Is it too late for me to join now?
It’s NOT TOO LATE! We specifically design our content so that an artist can join and start learning AT ANY TIME. Also, all of our LIVE SESSIONS are recorded, so you can go to our Member Library and review previous content at your convenience.
“Thank you for making the library available so I can view at my convenience and revisit what is being said. The lessons really pull together the book and video.” – Gayle Scholl
What Membership is right for me?
ESSENTIAL Membership offers access to all our weekly LIVE SESSIONS and access to our Member Library of recorded sessions. Essential PLUS Membership offers the same, PLUS you can access our 7-hour VIDEO WORKSHOP (all the content Jerry & Rebecca teach in a 5-day workshop and more…). PLUS Members also have exclusive access to Jerry’s 12 Essential Lessons and 6 Mentoring Messages. PLUS Members also have an exclusive invitation to submit to our Annual Juried Show.
“I feel so very fortunate to be able to enjoy the benefits of FULL Membership. The structure, depth, and integrity invested in your extraordinary book, lessons, and videos is very much appreciated.” – Carolyn Bates
I already own the Video Workshop, which membership is right for me?
That depends. Some people feel the Video plus ESSENTIAL Membership is the right combo. However, many people feel the additional information in Jerry’s 12 Essential Lessons and 6 Mentoring Messages is extremely valuable and therefore choose our PLUS Membership. Our PLUS Members also are invited to participate in our Annual Juried Show for PLUS Members only.
“I upgraded my ESSENTIAL Membership to Essential PLUS Membership. Initially I was hesitant, because I had already purchased both the book and video which were excellent. Was the upgrade from core to full membership worth the investment? For me, it a resounding YES! The first episode of mentoring alone was worth the extra money. if you are questioning the benefit of moving from core to full membership when you have already purchased the video or book or both, do not hesitate. It is money very well spent!” – Linda Ryan
I’m not sure about membership. Can I just purchase the Video Workshop?
We no longer sell copies of the workshop. However, we now offer limited-time streaming access to the Video Workshop. Learn more HERE.
What is the difference between ESSENTIAL and CORE Memberships?
If you are currently a CORE Member, you will not notice any difference between ESSENTIAL and CORE Memberships. We updated our Memberships to reflect the change in our Year 3 Program (starting in January 2023). In January 2023 we will change from our current quarterly schedule with 8-10 LIVE Sessions per quarter to a LIVE Session every other week. Our Year 3 Programming will be more personal and more interactive with LIVE Member Critiques every other month and LIVE Member Mentoring every other month. Remaining sessions will consist of LIVE Painting Progress Support, guest speakers, panel discussions, and more.
“I am blown away by the content you present! I love the deep dives and broad approaches to all the subjects.” – Corni Forster
Will I receive individual feedback on my work?
Yes, members may post finished or in-progress work on our Member Classroom page to receive feedback and engage in discussion with other members. In addition, we frequently show and critique work by Members during our LIVE sessions. We are also developing our ‘Paintings in Progress’ format where we devote LIVE Session time to looking at member work in progress.
“I find your critique and analysis of artist paintings extremely helpful!” – Anita Dellal
How is CWA different from other online classes?
CWA stands out due to the level of professionalism and experience behind all that we do. Between us we have over 50 years of painting experience and over three decades of teaching experience. Jerry has extensive experience in adult education and holds an adult education certificate from the University of Washington. Rebecca has an MFA and taught art at the university level. We have taught well over a hundred cold wax workshops in the US and internationally, and our award-winning book, Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations (now in its third printing) is widely regarded as the seminal and most comprehensive resource on the topic.
“I think you are master teachers. You have included a great amount of information in a structured, thorough manner and in easy-to-understand delivery.” – Anita Dellal
Is Cold Wax Academy only one year?
No! Although our Memberships are annual, CWA is an ongoing learning academy. We launched CWA in October 2020 and already have parts of our 2023 curriculum lined up. Learning never stops!
How is CWA organized to optimize learning?
Our curriculum examines individual topics in depth, but also provides an integrated experience. Through 2022 each quarter we choose topics that are essential for creating strong work, maintaining an art practice, and developing as an artist. Each is covered separately and in detail, while taking previous and concurrent topics into consideration. In January 2023 we will change from our current quarterly schedule with 8-10 LIVE Sessions per quarter to a LIVE Session every other week. Our Year 3 Programming will be more personal and more interactive with LIVE Member Critiques every other month and LIVE Member Mentoring every other month. Remaining sessions will consist of LIVE Painting Progress Support, guest speakers, panel discussions, and more.
“I signed up for CWA Membership, but I feel like I’m in Art School…WOW! This is all so helpful to me.” – Nicolet Groen
I'm a member. How do I update my profile, payment, and subscription info?
Click HERE for a helpful video about how to do that and more.
