Join artist Merry Ryding to explore the technique of encaustic painting and create your own work of art.
Encaustic, a hot wax medium, is the perfect vehicle to transform bits of ephemera into a personal work of art. Learn techniques to use this translucent wax medium with paper scraps and other lightweight materials. Participants may bring copies of photos, poems, quotes, or other things printed on paper.
Consider copies of letters, scraps of wallpaper, feathers, fabric, pressed and dried leaves or flowers, tiny shells, and other small, lightweight materials. The lighter the better, metal objects, stones, cardstock, and thicker papers do not work well. All other supplies will be provided.
What is encaustic?
“Encaustic is an ancient medium, used in the Minoan and Mycenean cultures of the Aegean Sea (they revered honey bees) and by the Roman-era Egyptians for the famous Fayum portraits. The medium is simply melted beeswax, sometimes combined with damar resin, with finely ground pure pigments for color.
Encaustic painting is done on a rigid surface, typically cradled wood panels. Unfinished wood surfaces take the encaustic medium well or the surface may be coated with specially formulated encaustic gesso. Occasionally, for an interesting background, I wrap the panel in hand-dyed fabric and layer with an encaustic medium. The important thing is to have a support that 'grips' the wax medium.
Painting with encaustic involves multiple repeated steps, but the many layers provide many chances to tweak your individual creative process. Begin on the panel with several base coats of encaustic, scraping down any ridges for a uniform surface, and then fusing each layer before adding the next.”
- More at mrydingartworks.com
Register to attend
This class will take place in the Elk County Council on the Arts sales gallery, 237 Main Street, Ridgway, on Saturday, May 28, 10AM - 1PM.
Space is limited to 8 participants. Cost is $55 per person.
Pre-registration is required: https://form.jotform.com/212506063911144
About Merry: mrydingartworks.com