paint it black-

Hi there!  It's been a busy week in the studio and I just wanted to pop in here and share one of my favorite steps in the encaustic process (the step which is very scary to new painters and observers alike!)  I finished prepping the wood blocks, cut out and adhered my newsprint bits, painted backgrounds, fused all of that together in a few layers of clear encaustic and then carefully carved the outlines and details on top of my images using a pin tool. Then comes the magic part where I cover the entire piece with a black oil bar and use my fingers to rub the waxy black paint into every nook, cranny and incised line.  This is where I stopped to let you in on the process (black hands and all messing up my mouse and keyboard).  It is in this moment when I cover everything up that each painting really comes into it's own.  I had just done the first linseed oil wipe on the two paintings on the left and as they began to reveal themselves I decided to share this part of the process (although I'm sure I've shared it in the past).  I will wipe each piece six or seven times and the piece will slowly brighten and sharpen.  Each painting will then be complete after a final pass with the heat gun to dry the surface and fuse the final layer of paint.  I need to get back to work and finish these pieces up for delivery tomorrow but want to wish you a safe, warm, dry and productive week : )