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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Artistic Polar Bear Challenge: 100 Ways In 100 Days. #94 - Faux Encaustic

I was perusing Patti Brady's Rethinking Acrylic book, looking for bear ideas for the home stretch.  I came across acrylic encaustic, and it looked like something fun to try.  The transparent and translucent layers create a wonderful sense of depth.

First I made up a batch of bleached acrylic 'beeswax', using the recipe provided.  First a layer of paint was put down, then a layer of the 'faux wax'.


For this study, I repeated the layering process three times.

Acrylic Encaustic Bear

The layers aren't something that photograph well, but there is a really nice sense of depth and softness to the study.  For the sake of expediency I was layering similar colors, but this would be a great method to create optical mixes.  Yet another process to be added to the list of "Techniques To Be Explored In Depth Later".

8 comments:

Cynthia Schelzig.....Cynnie said...

You get me everytime ...love the bears.
Just a note...I am removing myself from your EMAIL update list...as I have you on my blog list and get updates over there....jfyi....

Linda Roth said...

I love the encaustic technique--softens the image AND repels dust. Used it as a sealer on a paper cast relief sculpture. Never thought of using it over acrylics. Great idea.

RH Carpenter said...

This looks interesting. I just saw that DaVinci has watercolor encaustic sticks now...so many mediums, so little time!!! I think this process would work well on wooden boxes, panels, etc.

debwardart said...

Good grief, you can do it all and I'm very, very jealous!! You will have so many ideas for future paintings from this series; think I'll give myself a challenge - next year!
(And then there were 6 . . . . )

Earthula said...

brilliant.

94 bears and so many ways to get there. Amazing.

Lisa Walsh said...

Howdy Cynnie, thanks for the jfyi.

Linda, the beauty of it is it's ALL acrylic. The 'wax' is a mix of matte and gloss medium, with a bit of color and water thrown in. I was amazed at how it spread like butter.

You're preaching to the choir, Rhonda. Watercolor encaustic? I checked DaVinci's website but couldn't find it. Where did you hear about it?

Deb, I think I'm going to be very busy for quite a while. But first I have to finish some pieces for the Viewpoint show. :-)

Hello, Earthula. I'm sure there's many more ways, but I'm tired and stopping at 100. :-)

RH Carpenter said...

Lisa, it's in the latest (October 2010) issue of Watercolor Artist. Says to go to the site to find out more: http://www.davincipaints.com
40 ml sticks range from $15-18 each.

Lisa Walsh said...

Thanks, Rhonda. I'll check it out.