Encaustic, Mixed Media
Encaustic (hot wax painting) is an ancient painting medium used by Egyptian/Greek painters around 100-300 AD. Beeswax and colored pigments are combined then heated to a liquid consistency which is applied to a surface. When it is melted it has the consistency of any paint and can be manipulated and carved into with knives, etching instruments and brush. It dries to a hard waxy finish and can be buffed by a cloth when dry for a luminous effect.
“Quiet”
Photograph, Encaustic, graphite
9x7”
2011
The contemplative mood of this mixed media painting began with a photograph of water reflecting the clouds and sky. It was further developed applying multiple layers of heated pigmented wax (Encaustic) to create a semi-abstracted image.