I've been wanting to try encaustic for a long time, but for some reason I just kept putting it off. I think I was a little intimidated by some of the technical 'stuff' even though I've used similar tools and heat for resists, batik, etc. Anyway, I've got Daniella Woolf's fabulous book and DVD, The Encaustic Studio so I finally pulled them off the shelf, spent time reading and watching and then I felt ready to jump in!
For my substrates, I'm recycling some picture boards (not sure what to call them but you can see them in the picture). I get them for pennies at a recycling depot in town, so they're perfect. I sand them, cover them with gesso* and then I'm ready to go (research gesso vs. encaustic gesso if you're planning to do this).
I wanted some heavy texture in this piece, so I pulled out the drywall compound again, and using a stencil I applied a thick layer of compound with my fingers, making it easy to control where I was applying it without having to mask off the stencil.Needless to say, this needs a bit of time to dry, especially because of the fairly thick application.
I'm now ready to add some collage elements and start playing with the wax medium!
I'd say I still need to work on my use of this medium...a lot!...but, here's my first attempt at encaustic. It's a very interesting medium to explore, but as you can see, I have a ways to go before I get a handle on this.
thanks for sharing this Linda, I didn't know encaustic could be used over gesso! I went on a course a year or so ago and I got all the materials but since then have not really used them. i think it is because I didn't like the idea of creating on a smooth surface. On the course we used a shiny sort of paper and got a glass like effect ehich was pretty but not textural enough for what I wanted. Your post has fired my imagination and I am looking forward to see what direction this takes you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Morag. As you can see, I've got a ways to go in the process, but I think it will be a fun journey!
DeleteGreat to see this beginning and I'm glad you jumped in. I can't seem to get enough of encaustic.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leah. I can see why you love it so much.
DeleteThat is very cool looking and think you did an awesome job for your first attempt at this use. I will have to look in to this! Great job and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanne. It's certainly a new learning curve, but it's lots go fun.
DeleteThat looks like a lot of fun and challenging too!
ReplyDeleteYes. Vicki, certainly challenging. I've got a lot more to learn!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely first piece with encaustics- love the layout and coloring- Beauteous! I too just started playing with encaustics- it is very releasing and not as scary as I thought- but practice practice practice!
Thanks! And yes, I need to keep at it for a while!
DeleteHey now, that's a fun result! I've been thinking about doing it again too. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kit. It's certainly a different medium, but I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with it.
DeleteHi Linda !
ReplyDeleteIt does look like a lot of fun and I'm enjoying watching those that work with this medium .... great stuff !
Nice to meet up with you again at 'Celebrate The Seven' last week !
Thanks Sharron. It was so great to see you again and the show was fabulous!
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