Old Dog, New Tricks

Mixed pigments ready to be melted

When I was in college I was fascinate by the surface of encaustic.  I had a hard time finding the resources to work with it.  The internet was not like it is today, nor did I have a personal computer.  My professors at the time didn't have the knowledge or work with encaustic.  I was told to layer my paintings with thick gesso to try to emulate the texture. 

Still Series: "Hush" 8x10" encaustic on panel 2016

It wasn't until 8 years ago that I found a class at The Creative Alliance* near where we were living at the time.  It was awesome.  I totally fell in love.  The teacher Christine Sajecki*, a super talented encaustic artist was knowledegable, sweet and continues to be a great resource.  She took the mystery out of the process and I created my own set up right away. 

Me and "Abandoned" encaustic on panel 18x18" 2010

There was something so freeing about working in a medium that at the time I didn't consider my forte.  I gave myself permission to play.  Since I was a beginner I didn't have to have a mastery of the medium and I could just explore.  Something amazing happens when you're learning.  You stretch your muscles and your creative mind. 

Now, I find myself teaching encaustic and I love it.  I hope that I bring inspiration to artist to expand their own process.  With each class I find myself learning more too.  It's never too late to learn something new!

** I currently teach workshops at Carroll County Arts Center.  Sign up here to be notified of new classes

LINKS: The Creative Alliance, Christine Sajecki,