Encaustic Painting with Shellac, Half Time, and Helio

Helio

Encaustic Mixed Media on birch 8x6

I've realized that it appears I've gone quiet.  I'm so busy painting as much as I can these days, that yes, in a way I have gone quiet.  My time where I have my studio is cut in half and then that time is cut in half again... so it means, that when I can paint - I hunker down and paint as much as possible.  But, even with shorter studio time, I have incorporated some very interesting new techniques that take some consideration and practice to find my way.  I'm finally beginning to show a little of what I am doing with encaustic painting, shellac and alcohol inks. 
I spent an incredible day in the studio of Alicia Tormey here in Seattle.  She is amazing and her techniques for shellac and alcohol ink with encaustic painting are incredible. I'm still digesting everything shellac that I learned from her late in February. 
I have committed to doing a solo show for the month of September.  I'm already painting for it and squirreling away a lot of surprises for it.  But, I am letting a few things out.. just to create some interest.
Happy Friday Everyone!

Encaustic Painting, Chickadees and CeCe

CeCe
encaustic 6x6

I never get tired of painting chickadees.  They are one of my favorites and the ones I see the most from my window.  I truly wish that I had the same energy as one of these little ones.  They are forever active and flitting from branch to branch. Think of all the things I could get done in a day.  But, I do love to settle in the mid afternoon over a cup of coffee and a good book - taking a break from all the commotion even if just for a few minutes.

October is here, fall is starting to show her lovely colors - my favorites - the yellows, oranges and reds.  I've begun to start thinking of making soup and wearing sweaters.  Although, we are having a glorious Indian summer here in the northwest which means no sweaters yet.  

Happy Friday everyone! 

 

 

Treasure Hunting, Black and White and Feathers

plume
encaustic and oil on birch 6x6

I've been collecting feathers.  Seems I find all kinds, shapes and sizes.  There is an eagle nest that I pass regularly and every now and again I'm lucky to find one that has fallen from there.  I have an osprey feather, crow feathers, little downy ones, stripy ones and even a little sweet gray and yellow one.  Its become my own personal treasure hunt when I'm out walking.  In the beginning I brought all the ones home that caught my eye - now I'm a bit more selective as my collection has grown.   The fine detail of all the little filaments and the lightness of their architecture is remarkable to think they are responsible for flight.

I've also been thinking in black and white.  The simplicity of removing color and creating form and detail in the space of two colors is a good lesson for me.  I'm not giving up color by any means, but I do think that removing it teaches a valuable lesson.  For those of you interested in processes - the feather is carved into the wax surface with an exacto knife creating the fine line detail.  The lines are then filled with oil paint which is then rubbed off the surface and left in the lines.  Wax is difficult to get any fine detail and this in one of the best ways to achieve that. 

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope your time in nature is also a wonderful inspirational adventure and treasure hunt that brings you much reward. 

Spring, Bird Song, and Junco

Junco
original encaustic on birch 6x8

Spring is my most favorite time of the year.  Its a time of awakening and growth and it is in crazy full force around here.  With spring comes open doors and open windows.  I've been awakened every morning lately by the neighborhood bird song.  Its the nicest way to be brought from slumber into the day.  Not better than a steaming cup of coffee mind you - but better than an alarm clock for sure.  The little Juncos are some of my favorite spring time characters.   
Also with spring comes the annual de-clutter, clean up and filling the yard waste bin to overflowing a few times over.  It feels so good to be outside and taking in the fresh smells and sounds.  To kick of spring, I've been doing a weekly inspiration series on Tuesdays - you can catch up on the latest one here. 
In keeping with the idea of new growth in spring, I have signed up to take an online art class taught by Diane Culhane - "Doings of a Do-o-dle".  No one doodles like Diane, so I am really looking forward to it.  You can get more info and sign up here.
Happy Friday - Happy Spring. 

Inspiration Today, Studio Happenings, and Work In Progress: 152

House Finch
encaustic 6x6

Here's what's happening in the studio and things I'm finding inspiring today

1. I think the artwork by Carol Hagan is really beautiful.  She is a master at capturing the essence of her subjects.  Her oil and cold wax horse paintings, I find magical.  I also love, that she paints the eyes first because they define the painting for her - you can see a you tube interview here. 
2. This yummy quick way to cook halibut just when making dinner has gotten really boring and such a chore. 
3. Revisiting this video for creative inspiration 
4. Getting together with friends and just talking about whatever.
5. Late afternoon walks when the light is just right and the colors are beautiful.

 





What are you finding inspiring today?

Art and Stereotype, Encaustic Painting and Franie




Franie
encaustic mixed media on birch 6x6

I just left a long winded post for a good friend, Kat Sloma, over on her blog - Kateyestudio  She was pondering the concept of labeling in the art world.  She is a photographer.  Now, I ask you.. does that conjure up a picture in your mind of what her art might be like?  I know the label photographer definitely brings up images of traditional photography in my mind.  Yet, her art is beautifully altered photos done digitally.  She is really good at it and her art is beautiful.  However, her question is - is what I do photography?  That's where her roots are and where her artwork starts - as a beautifully taken photograph.  Yet, after she works her digital magic - her art looks more like a painting.  It brings up a really good question of labeling.

So, I label myself as an encaustic artist - yet the representational work that I do in encaustic is the minority of what is done.  Most people conjure up the idea of beautiful textured abstract work as the stereotype for encaustic.  Yet, as a medium it is hugely diverse... There is encaustic collograph printing, encaustic over clay, rich beautiful monoprints  Its endless what can be done with the medium, yet is there a stereotype?  An expectation if someone says - I am an encaustic artist?  Is there a label?  How about other artists - oil painters, acrylic painters and watercolorists?  Is there a stereotype with these mediums?  Or have these been around so long with so many different representations done that people are open to and curious about what it is versus planting a stereotype?  Its an interesting subject to ponder. 
Happy Friday everyone!



The Artful Journey, Mixed Media and Chickadee

Chickadee
Encaustic mixed media on birch 6x6

Last week I wrote about being fickle.  This week - I didn't even turn on the hot palettes.  I've been wooed away with working on my pay it forward art project things and cutting, pasting, water coloring and sewing (yes, sewing) for those.  Some of our friends from PPF are joining in - you should pay them a visit and see if you can get in on the fun Irene, Valerie, Tracey,  Ilona, and Coreopsis and Tracy.  If you are on the fence about the project - jump in.  Its fun and an opportunity to get some art flowing around the world.   
I got out the old White sewing machine and fired it up.  Still working after years of closet time and a couple of house moves in between.  I even remembered how to thread the darned thing - although I need my glasses to do that now :)  My projects aren't quite done yet, so I won't show them this week.  They do incorporate wax too so I'm not totally leaving it behind.  And next week - back to work in the wax.  I'm still wondering how all these things will come together some day - there is beginnings of it here with this painting.  I love being an explorer on the artful journey - so many interesting twists and turns along the way. 
Happy Friday everyone!