Wednesday, January 22, 2014

154 Thick encaustics 2 of 2

In this second video I add chalk to the encaustic pigments. Not only does it make a very usable impasto application it also strengthens the paint film. The image at left is a close-up of the texture (click image to see larger view). In the larger view you can see how I scraped into the paint to give added texture. I thought the chalk might impart a matt finish but the impasto sections buffed up nicely just like regular encaustic.

The only real problem was that adding chalk changed the melting point. When I went to melt and fuse the various layers of pigment the layers of paint that didn't have the chalk melted first. It wasn't a huge problem and there are various solutions. Overall I think the increased impasto was worth the complications of multiple melting points. Below is a link to the cheapest source of chalk I have found. Since encaustics are so expensive it is nice to have a reasonably priced additive.

If you give it a try let me know if you had comparable results.

Brad Teare January 2014



5 comments:

  1. Good morning, Brad. I just watched this and the previous video. I loved them very much! This is a material and technique I've never tried before. It was quite interesting to observe. You show so much "how to" in such short time spans that I think I could give it a go myself just from these videos.

    I just love the painting you are working on. It sings with color, interesting texture, and has a nice s-curve design through out. It springs with life! Just love it! Great job, Brad!

    Thanks for sharing as always. God bless,

    Bob.

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    1. Thanks Bob! I might show how to make your own encaustic at some point because it is awfully expensive to use commercially available pigment in a thick manner, especially if the panels are large. It's easy to though. In fact the only downside to encaustic is the ventilation problem. Thanks for your kind words.

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  2. hi Brad, been ordering materials since your 2 vids and i'm making my own as well as having bought two paletts of R&H, one is c,m,y and another is a five color limited palette. the pigments i ordered for mixing are a zorn palette and a favorites selection. years ago i had a commercial full color printer that used wax blocks instead of ink or toner. wished i had saved those waxes. it made every color from the process dyes. i should be making a stink in a day or two with the hot plate. found an old electric sauce pan to blend my own blocks. using a mini cupcake pan for the molds. The weather here in nj has been giving me stir crazy/cabin fever symptoms so the full spectrum lights will be welcome. I am going to paint flat on a table for safety sake. Sunny landscape is my first panel. Marble dust is my thickener. wish me luck, stay well and warm.

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    1. Sounds fun, Bruce. Be sure to get proper ventilation. Concentrated fumes can be bad news. I'm getting cabin fever here, too. I should be outside painting in a few weeks though.

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