Encaustic Painting

In April I attended an encaustic demo given by Rosemary Barile and I immediately knew it was something I wanted to try. Yesterday I finally tried encaustic painting. Like most things, it was harder than it looked in Rosemary's demo.

Encaustic paints on griddle

First colored layer after initial encaustic medium was applied. 

Attempt to stencil pattern

Results from stencil

Paisley patterns inscribed in wax

Burnt umber oil paint rubbed into incised areas

Fused after encaustic medium was applied, still warm.

Finished piece. I named it Hidden Paisley because the paisley pattern is now hidden.

Thanks go to Darcy for pushing me to try this medium. 

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

Next weekend is the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. I will be volunteering as an Artist Assistant to Maria Balvina Contento Ambuludi from Ecuador on Sunday afternoon at booth 116. Maria is representing La Mega Cooperativa de Saraguro. The indigenous Saraguro people in Ecuador, particularly the women, make brightly-colored and intricately-shaded necklaces, collars, earrings, rings and bracelets using glass beads. The designs are patterned after motifs from nature and from geometric shapes. These beaded jewelry pieces are an essential part of the Saraguro people’s daily dress and, for María Balvina Contento Ambuludi and the other members of La Mega Cooperativa de Saraguaro, the bead work provides them with a sustainable monetary income as they work collectively to sell their craft.

Here are two necklaces I own made by Saraguro beadworkers. Aren't they gorgeous?