“Low Tide” . . . . 11”x14”, original encaustic painting

Unframed. Frame in photo is a suggestion only. The birch cradle is wired for hanging as is, can be framed or displayed on an easel.

‘Low Tide’ was inspired by a visit to Maui several years ago. Photographs of those trips in my studio have been daily encouragement to do this painting. Having lived on the Gulf Coast for many years and relocating to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas . . . As beautiful as it is, I find I really miss the beach! In fact I’ve named my series of beachy paintings, ‘Missing the Beach’!

An original encaustic painting, ‘Low Tide’ is a one of a kind wax painting created using both the encaustic iron and a heated steel brush. Several different heated tools were used on this painting along with many layers of wax to create this effect. The implements are heated to 200-220 degrees. After initial layers of molten wax from a melting pot are applied and ironed to a sheen, a smaller, smoothing tool is used to create various effects using pigmented wax. After every application of wax the painting is heated by a flame torch to seal each layer to the previous one otherwise the wax layers could separate with changes in temperature. The ‘sea foam’ cells were created using my own, hand made mixture of natural shellac. I use only solid wood panels or heavy, acid etched glass panels as the strata for my work, never stretched canvas. Encaustic art has survived for over 2000 years, longer than any other painting form and is still exhibited in museums around the world. If you care to learn more about the origins of encaustic art consider searching for Fayum Mummy Encaustic Art.

Many encaustic collectors prefer to see the wax runs on the sides of the paintings and I usually leave that as it happens. If you prefer a clean edge you may gently scrape off the wax and remove the tape. Wipe the sides with an oiled cloth. Any oil will suffice, even olive oil. Care for your encaustic painting as you would any other fine art original. Encaustic art has survived for over 2000 years, longer than any other painting form and is still exhibited in museums around the world. If you care to learn more about the origins of encaustic art consider searching for Fayum Mummy Encaustic Art.

After a hiatus from Etsy, staying busy with art shows and gallery exhibits for the last few years, I’m now returning due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Staying close in as much as possible I’m in the studio every day working on encaustics. I hesitate to call it ‘work’ because I love encaustics so much! I’d give it away if I didn’t have to buy supplies and pay for utilities!