Jodie Cord

Beginning Encaustics a.k.a. Working with wax Series 2

I am currently teaching this class about once a month at The DIY Lounge at
collage which is located at 1639 N.E. Alberta St.

Encaustic Painting is the process of painting with melted wax, resin and
pigments. In this class we will use beeswax, damar resin and lyra pigments
(basically a student grade color). There are no solvents in Encaustic painting-
All you need to manipulate the surface is heat. This makes for fewer health
concerns as compared to other mediums.

I realize that Encaustic painting is not exactly an inexpensive hobby, so I will
be teaching you how to mix your own paints and work as inexpensively as possible
As you progress you may want to consider using higher quality pigments.
We will use heat tools and irons to fuse layers and otherwise manipulate your
surfaces. We will also be using a variety of metal tools and implements that
you will become familiar with in the class. I encourage students to use each of
the tools so that they know what works for them and what doesn't--that way you
don't end up buying something you aren't going to use.

Encaustic Painting is a very quick way of working. The paint doesn't need to
dry-it needs only to cool, and it only takes minutes. It can be revised or
reworked seconds or even years later. It is very durable and waterproof.
Students are often concerned that their pieces will melt-but as long as you
don't place them near a heat source or put them on the dashboard of your car-it
is unlikely that you will have any problems because beeswax has a melting point
of 150 degrees. It is more likely that the pieces could be damaged when they
are not carefully handled. Scratches, bumps and chips can happen-but it is not
difficult to repair them.

Encaustic Painting has been around since the 5th century B.C. but it wasn't
until the invention of portable heating devices that it had truly been
accessible to the average person. Encaustic pieces don't need to be varnished
or protected by glass but they can be buffed on occasion to obtain a glossy
varnish-like finish. Encaustic Paint does not yellow or darken-There are
actually pieces around from the Greek and Roman Empire that are still as vibrant
as the day they were painted!

Here are the techniques you will learn and practice in the Beginning class:

Starting with a "Ground" and sealing edges

Fusing
With heat guns, embossing tools, or heating irons. Each layer must be fused so
that the piece is less likely to be damaged.

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Painting

Scraping/Incising & Filling ("intarsia")

Wax can be carved, shaped and molded easily.

Building texture
High or low relief

Collage
Wax can also be used as an adhesive-it is easy to impregnate your pieces with a
variety of materials.

Assemblage

Using Mixed Media
such as stamps, inks, organic material (dried plants) and thread.

"Stenciling" with pre-made shapes

Buffing

If you are thinking of purchasing a book "The Art of Encaustic Painting" by
Joanne Mattera is a great resource. It is available at most bookstores, and
also at collage-where you get a 15% discount the day of class.

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