Endless possibilities

Encaustic provides a wonderful world for experimentation with mixed media. I've only just begun to explore the many applications possible.

This image was created using a gum arabic transfer process in the printmaking part of the encaustic workshop. It started out as this ...





I cropped it tightly and applied it to plywood 6 x 8 board that had been primed with R &F encaustic gesso. This is a wonderful product that was created specifically for use with encaustic painting. It is a brushable white ground that dries to an absorbent surface. It works like standard acrylic gesso, but it has a lower proportion of binder to solid and remains very absorbent. I applied two layers of encaustic medium and then laid the print in a puddle of encaustic medium on the palette and quickly transferred it on top of the encaustic coated board. I used a piece of matt board and the heat gun to smooth it in place. I found it is best to start at the middle and move toward the edges. I like how the gesso enhanced the light areas of the print giving the work more contrast.

This work was also created from a gum arabic transfer process and was applied over a coat of clear encaustic medium. When I applied the print the white areas took on the cast of the plywood colour underneath giving the work a warm patina overall.

Here's the original print that I cropped.

While I was pleased with my efforts in encaustic, I liked both prints better before I cropped them. It was a case of working to fit the boards I brought along. I saved the cuttings from each so maybe there might be a way to make a second piece to keep the dialogue in the work going. With that in mind, I still consider both pieces successful. I haven't decided if they are finished yet. Time will tell!