Encaustic Studies

Each encaustic study begins with a search for the essence of the figure. Using only Payne’s gray, I paint loosely and intuitively, allowing gesture, movement, and emotion to emerge without getting caught up in detail.

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Once the painting feels right, I photocopy the image and carefully cut out the figure. Meanwhile, I prepare a wooden panel with layers of vintage music paper, giving the work a foundation filled with its own history and rhythm.

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The figure is coated in encaustic medium and placed onto the prepared panel. More layers of encaustic medium are added, gradually bringing the separate elements together into a unified surface.

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The finished piece is a conversation between figure and material, past and present. Intentional brush marks, timeworn music, and translucent layers of wax create a richly textured work that invites a closer look.

practice.