encaustic artist

Married 45 years to fabulous Lenny. Three great adult kids and 4 "to die for" grandkids. Two cats and a house full of amazing stuff we've collected from trips all over the world. Been in the world of crafts for 25+ years...still love every minute of it.

blog: http://suzeweinberg.typepad.com/

website: http://www.schmoozewithsuze.com

 workshop: "WAXING POETIC"

students need to bring:

• A heat gun OR (preferred) a small torch (like a creme brulee size) with a butane refill. Obviously, if you are flying to 'Inspired' the heat gun is better. Also, if you come with a torch you should know how to use it. These little torches have their own individual quirks and we can't spend time figuring that out.
• A few assorted photocopies and/or book pages to use in this collage. They can be laser, ink jet..doesn't matter. Various sizes. Black and white, color. Whatever you want.
• You can bring their own texture rubber stamps if you want to, but I will also have some for you to use.
• you will get dirty..wear an apron. Bring hand wipes
• Optional: a bone folder

what is encaustic art?

Encaustic art is art which is made by melting wax and using it as a pigment medium. The result is a rich, vibrant, textural work of art which can be endlessly manipulated with an assortment of tools. While many people associate encaustic art with melting crayons as a young child, the art form is actually thousands of years old. Several museums and art galleries have examples of encaustic art from places like Ancient Egypt and medieval Europe, for people who would like to see historical examples of the art form.

The waxes used in encaustic art vary. Beeswax is the classic medium, although other types of wax can be used as well. Most encaustic artists use blocks of wax which have already been dyed, but it is also possible to purchase pure pigments for the purpose of coloring your own wax. Some companies also offer wax paints which are in a semi-liquid form, for artists who do not want to use melting irons.

The melted wax is daubed onto a sturdy backing and then spread as desired. It can be manipulated just like ordinary paint with the assistance of brushes and other tools, or it can be allowed to cool so that the wax can be carved. In either case, the texture of the finished work can be altered with the assistance of heat lamps and similar tools which will soften the wax, allowing artists to work and rework it until they are satisfied with the end product.

Wax painting can get quite messy, so most artists like to wear protective clothing and use barriers on their workbenches. In addition, molten wax art requires heated tools such as specialty irons, so artists need to work carefully to avoid burning themselves. A piece of molten wax can create a nasty burn, and some artists like to wear gloves and long sleeves for this very reason.

 artist portfolio :