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With
my "WAX" medium,
I experimented with different techniques. I developed my encaustic wax
technique, where I start by covering paper with a thick coat of melted
beeswax. Wax comes in different colors, but I prefer 'Burnt umber', 'Burnt
sienna', 'Black', and mixes of these three to create an overall uniform
tone. Sometimes I use the water base paint to apply a colored underlay
on the paper before I covered it with the wax. The surface itself may
also be warmed to allow for the manipulation of the encaustic paint. It
may also be cooled immediately 'freeze' the brush strokes that are applied
to it. After the wax overlay cools down, I scratch out images on the dark
box. Then, I might use oil paints or color pencils to apply more detailed
variations in color and tone. When this is finished, the artwork has a
slight three-dimensional feel to it, though it is on a two -dimensional
surface. This is the effect that I was looking for . It is comfortable
and gives me the feel of both painting and sculpturing.
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Encaustic
beeswax painting
is the oldest fine art technique in history. Encaustic
literally means 'burning In'. This durable medium dates back over two
thousand years ago to the days of the ancient Greece, Egypt, and even
Rome. Around the Middle Ages, artists turned to tempera, fresco and ultimately
oil paint. Although encaustic painting was overshadowed by these simpler
painting techniques, it was never completely abandoned. Encaustic is an
incredibly versatile, solvent-free medium, eliminating the need for turpentine
and mineral spirits. Encaustic highly resistant to yellowing effect, weathering,
moisture, and high temperatures, even more so than oil paint.
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