Autumn Ascent 2

Autumn Ascent (12" x 24")

Autumn Ascent 1

Autumn Ascent 1 (12" x 24")

Two New Paintings

These are my newest paintings - back to the bright colours for a while. I have too much winter around me right now (minus 41C with the wind chill this morning) and I can't even look at those chilly blues!

My trusty heat gun and old iron - essential tools for an encaustic artist

This is my palette - on a hot plate - which keeps the wax molten and ready to use.

Here are pictures of the lovely new panels (birch) and coloured pigments that I just bought.
I love the primary red, colbalt blue and the little pot of gold. I am going to experiment with the gold this week and see what effects I can get.

Stuff in my Studio

Encaustic (painting with molten wax) is a challenging medium. The hot wax is painted onto the support and has to be fused to the layer below. I love the translucence, textures and vibrant colours. Sometimes though, I wish I had more time to manipulate the wax before it cools.

I work from little thumbnail sketches that I do when I am roaming around. Sometimes I take photos as references, especially for colour. I take a lot of liberties - I am more interested in the abstract qualities of the landscape than trying to reproduce reality.

Big Plans for 2009

Last week I bought 30 new panels from Paint Spot in Edmonton and they are so well made and light-weight. I also got some new colours of powdered pigments that I have never used before. I am really excited about making some new encaustic paints and starting some new paintings!

My goal is to paint every day, (even if just a bit when I am overwhelmed).