Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Waxy Wisdom

The fun continues with my encaustic experiments!

I'm still perfecting the technique of laying down the wax and fusing these little (3x4 in) pieces. My hand is getting steadier with the application of the wax and my fusing has improved tremendously since I read that the wax only needs to become shiny under the heat gun, not liquidy. (In case you are not familiar with the idea of fusing, let me explain a bit. Each layer of hot wax is applied with a brush and each layer must be fused to the prior layer so that the wax doesn't crack or fall off in the future. When I take my heat gun and heat up the layer just slightly, it joins with the previous layers.)

Each time I undertake a project, I learn more. For example, I've learned that when I lay down medium before color, the image is fuzzier in the end like these cherries...



If I use the colored wax directly on the watercolor paper, the image is sharper and more defined, like this bowl of fruit...



I've also learned that I love the distressed look that I achieve by applying a bit of burnt umber oil paint to the top. (Then wiping away the excess.) It seems to give the piece more depth and interest.

Also, I've learned that adding interesting little doodles is a great way to whimsy up the piece like I did to this lemon...



Finally, I learned that I can take a photograph and reproduce it in wax. This is perhaps my most exciting find so far. This spring, I took a photo of a few wildflowers in my yard that became this piece...



This week, I'll be visiting the framers to finish these little cuties. I'm dreadfully nervous, but also very excited to take them to the next step. Fingers crossed that they will be done in time for the Opening Gala of the gallery on September 14th!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

1 comment:

Marit said...

I am in ooh and aaawe over your art pieces Bethany! I love both the looks, the fuzzy as well as the sharper. It looks like you found your 'true material' - it's perfect for you!