Creating a body of artwork for Art Festivals

 Currently I am working on encaustic paintings; which not only take me more time to create then my watercolors, but they also need time to cure (harden) before I sell them.  Since I create the encaustic process outdoors, I was hoping to have them finished before New Orleans' summer heat would swoop in, but it didn't happen:(   Let the sweat roll. Ha!

Check out my encaustic station outside, which includes a large griddle and heat gun: 

Encaustic Station Outside

Despite the occasional burn or hot encaustic falling onto my feet, I am enjoying the process.  Like other mediums to create artwork, you should have a map in your mind or sketch of how you want it to look or feel.  I do love the "happy accidents" that occur in creating artwork, and I have made a lot of happy accidents with my encaustics. (But that is how you learn. ) Yes at one point my entire encaustic station was encrusted with glitter............well at least it was pretty and I am sure the fairies enjoyed the sparkle.

Here is my latest encaustic painting titled, " Dangerous Mushroom III" 

Here is my process to create "Dangerous Mushroom III" encaustic painting: 

First up: I painted my figure and "elements" on oil on vellum.  (I use the word elements to describe the small bits of paintings on vellum such as the red mushrooms and fern.) I let the vellum dry for about a week. Meanwhile, I applied three coats of primer to my wood panel.  Then I applied a foundation layer of oil paint; which I let dry for about a week. Next, I brushed a layer of encaustic medium over the oil foundation, and then using a heat gun, I heated the encaustic to smooth out certain areas. Let cool. 

Figure placement: Once I decided where to place my figure I briefly heated up the encaustic area and laid the vellum down.  With a spoon, I gently rubbed the figure into the encaustic. Then, I brushed on another layer of encaustic medium.  I used the heat gun again to fuse the layers together being careful not to over heat the vellum because it curls up.  I continued with the same process until all the elements were in place. 

 Final step, glitter.  I heated up areas using the heat gun where I wanted glitter on the painting. Gently I scattered glitter on the surface.  The encaustic and glitter was reheated again using the heat gun and allowed to cool. 

Personally, I think of the heat gun as the same as a paint brush.  The heat gun can be used to manipulate the encaustic medium and the oil paint.  

So that is pretty much is my encaustic process for now.  I am sure that it will change and evolve which happens over time. 

I am looking forward to displaying my new encaustics in the fall.

Best wishes,

Christin