Photographer, Cara Barer

Look at these amazing book sculptures by photographer, Cara Barer. Unfortunately the photos are not very clear and these deserve a closer look. Please go to her website  http://www.carabarer.com/ Select the last category, Sculpture, to see how lovely these are on her site.
After reading her story I learned her inspiration came from a public phone book. These book pages are stiffened and shaped with melted beeswax, so again, another unique way to use encaustic. Without speaking to her I don't know her process, but I can see the use of beeswax in many of her sculptures.  I was so impressed with the soft forms and flowing nature of these book pages.

Monoprinting with Wax

Roadswork
 Encaustic Monotypes, Laminated Photographic Transparencies, Hardware, on Cradled Panels • 16 pieces each 8”x8”x1.5

Sherrie Posternak has combined many interesting processes to create this quilt-like work. The background for these small tiles is a collection of encaustic monoprints. Colored wax pigments are applied directly to the heated palette and paper is gently placed on top of this. When the paper is lifted the result is a single print known as a monoprint. She has added to the surface with photo transparencies.

In-Line for the B Line
 Encaustic, Printed Silk, Phototransfer, Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel • 10.5"x13.5"x2"

The insects are image transfers. They can be applied directly to the wax surface or printed on fabric and collaged on. I love all the subtle detail in this piece and the muted quality of the background compared with the boldness of the insects. This work is also by Sherrie Posternak. To view her website use this link:

http://www.sherrieposternak.com

A Unique Approach to Encaustic Painting

Laura Moriarty

 These examples of artist Laura Moriarty's work show her approach to painting with beeswax.

This example of Laura's work is an encaustic monoprint on paper. The blending of the deep colors and softness of her edges is quite a contrast to her heavily carved pieces below.

Detail of Painting Below

Accretionary Wedge

 In the painting above she paints many layers and then carves back into the wax creating a multi-dimensional surface. 

To view more of her work visit her website  http://www.lauramoriarty.com/

Artists working in Beeswax

Spirit of Motion by Lisa Pressman from her website

This painting by Lisa Pressman is a 24 x 24 encaustic work. I love the way she uses the soft line work to define the composition,

 by Judy Wise from her website

These works by Judy Wise are 6 X 8. The dark, vibrant colors in these paintings are what drew me to them.

Getting A Little Fresh Air

My portable studio

Painting outdoors is great, as the lighting is fantastic and I don't have to worry about breathing any wax fumes.
There is an abundance of fresh, spring air for me to breathe.

My Inspiring View

Paper is a great porous surface to paint on when using wax. I am working on small 6x8 pieces of masonite with watercolor paper glued to the surface. The glue I use is white PVA and works very well, although care should be taken not to get any glue on the paper, since it is a plastic based adhesive. I press these under heavy books and wait 24 hours before painting.

I like to break up the surface of the white paper before I begin with the first layer of wax. I have used a shiva oil paint stick to draw lines. A sharpie marker, india ink or oil pastels also work well for drawing. It is important to remember not to use any acrylic paints or inks.

Under painting

On this one I have used watercolors to break up the surface with an under painting of color blocks. 

Imagery can be added after the wax has been applied as in the work above. The insect is a transfer I made with a toner copy. A thin layer of clear medium is brushed on the transfer.

I added these lines with a sharpie on top of the wax. A layer of clear encaustic medium is brushed over the surface, this will keep the marker from rubbing off. I love the way it always smears a little and softens the look of the line.

Back to Wax

In Process

oil sticks for drawing

Many brilliant colors to choose from. These are small blocks  of concentrated pigments suspended in encaustic medium.

The wax is heated to 250 degrees and becomes liquid. The thermometer sits directly on the heated palette so I can monitor it during painting.

The Paint

Warm and Ready




 

The Laboratory

I heard this week from the Brooklyn Art Library that my "sketchbook" was received and it now on tour to it's first destination, Austin, Texas. The exhibition will begin March 12th at the Austin Museum of Art.

Art journaling has been an important part of my creative process. It is one of the activities that I feel is important for my growth as an artist, and more importantly as a person. Being able to write my thoughts and create in the safety of a journal meant for my eyes only is such a freeing experience. But at times a page does become art, ( serendipity, if you will ) and I tear it out, mat it, and frame it for all to see. By now I have quite a collection of them and thought I'd share a few photos.