6"x6" Encaustic

I make these pieces with encaustic and oil paint over a photograph. Encaustic, at its most basic, is the process of painting with molten wax; it has been around for centuries and is considered to be one of the most stable mediums.

I start by taking a photograph, often of a bird, but not always. I print the photo with an archival inkjet printer and glue it to wood panels. I protect the photograph with a clear coat of encaustic wax before proceeding to paint with pigmented wax.

I layer wax and color, and I scrape and gouge the surface. I often rub oil paint into the scratched surface, leaving a mark that is similar to ink rubbed onto an engraving plate. I decide to finish the piece with either a glossy or a matte surface.

Please see my blog for more information about my process, and for many more photos of my encaustic work in progress. See my "About Encaustic" page on my website for more information about this medium.