This section of the site is devoted to Encaustic media. As the site evolves, I will post examples of my wax paintings and information on what Encaustic media is and how I use it to produce art work
Bee Balm at the Crossroads
28″ X 23″ Encaustic Wax on Fiber Board
Encaustic from ancient Greek “Enkaustikos” (to burn in) has been around for over 2000 years. It is essentially a process of painting with pigments mixed into a combination of melted Bees wax and Damar resin. The resin raises the melting temperature of the wax and gives it a more robust and durable quality when it cools.
Unbound
14″ X 11″ Encaustic Wax on Fiber Board
This is a collage piece incorporating paper elements, glitter and yarn into the wax.
When hot, the wax medium is adhesive and very amenable to incorporating diverse objects and materials making it excellent for collage, and impasto styles of work. It can even be used as a sculptural element.
6th and Broadway
28″ X 23″ Encaustic Wax on Fiber Board
My experience of standing on a subway platform in New York when an express came barreling through. A friend standing next to me turned and screamed as loud as he could at me and I could not hear him over the sound of the train ! Frightening !
The painting process is one of applying the pigments in layers and fusing each layer as they’re applied to the layer beneath using a controllable heat source such as a heat-gun or brulee torch or other controled heating device.
Daze of deception
28″ X 23″ Encaustic Wax on Fiber Board
In my studio I have a number of hot plates and griddles which I use to keep my pigments and medium melted and to keep my tools and brushes warm. It’s also a good idea to keep an Aloe plant on hand.
Morning Mist
28″ X 23″ Encaustic Wax on Fiber Board
Dawn On Five Mile River
28″ X 23″ Encaustic Wax Fiber Board