Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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 : )

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beth,
These look great. Do you use an encaustic oil stick for the black?

LuckyK80 said...

Beth, I love this part, too. As you wipe it away, it's all of a sudden like something you haven't see before.

tangled sky studio said...

exactly : )

both r&f encaustic oil stick and w & n oilbar will work but i prefer the oilbar as its a little waxier.

Leililaloo said...

wow, wow , wow! this is so intriguing!
Thanks so much for explaining this part of the proces.. Will you share the results?

artslice said...

Wow, that is pretty cool. I can see how it really gives a nice depth and patina. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Beth!