New Works- Oil and Cold Wax

     Last summer I began experimenting with Encaustics, painting with melted wax and pigments. I have tried it a dew times since, and I adore the sensual feeling of the medium, as well as the numerous ways to work with the medium. It is amazingly forgiving to work with!


     Time constraints have been limiting my ability to work with the Encaustics, so after a little research, I ordered a medium called 'cold wax'. Dorland's and Gamblin both make it. Last weekend, I tried the Dorland's first. I mixed it with various amounts of cold wax, experimenting to see how it best worked for me. 

"Dancing Leaves" (C) gls oil and cold wax   8" x 16"   POR

     Beginning with the wax, oils, and q-tips to paint with, I layered on dots of color, painted broad strokes of paint, and used my fingers to blend color straight on the substrate (which, like Encaustic, has to be sturdy). while I am in the stages of experimenting with this medium, I was pleased with as few of the pieces, so far. There are so many ways to handle the medium, and I plan to explore them all. I plan on brayering, laminating, stamping, carving, and drawing into the cold wax layers to see what happens with each tool. 

   

"Bent Mountain Spring" (C) gls oil and cold wax   8" x 16"   

POR

     For now, the cold wax is similar to Encaustic, but I interpret it a tad differently than the typical hot wax mediums. Now, I am just hoping for time to further my experiments. Any ideas, or suggestions would be appreciated!