Encaustic Painting 101

I came across encaustic painting which is working with beeswax and mediums through my travels on youtube. I went out and bought some of the products which are a little costly. I spent hours and hours reading and watching videos on other artists and how they are using the medium. Finally I decided to jump in with hesitation I must say to prepare my medium. I was really nervous, # 1 because it can be quite toxic and # 2because it's hot.....I have a tendency to be a little clumsy with hot things. So I spent the afternoon working on the following painting. It didn't come out that great in the picture but I will try to see if I can get my neighbor Nathalie to take a shot with her amazing camera......she is a wonderful artist. The painting needs more layers of wax which I will do at a later date when I can work outside because it is just way too hot to work outdoors.

This painting has really evolved into something completely different with the help on my son, Joey. We played around with it for hours outdoors. Then I added beads and more colours and did some etching and fusing layers of paint. I'm not sure if it's complete but we'll let it sit for a while and contemplate the end result.

I sold my very first encaustic painting at last years exhibition at the Maison du Brasseur. Here is a photo of it.

I just got the encaustic book "Encaustic Mixed Media" that I ordered by Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch and there are so many new ways to experiment with this medium......further notes to follow when the weather is warm enough to sit outside for hours on end playing with a wonderful medium.