Aside from getting powdered graphite spilled all over me and my workspace by another student in the class, I had a pretty good day in my encaustic class this week. Fortunately, as it turns out, powdered graphite makes some very interesting effects in wax. After years of working primarily representationally, I'm learning to do abstract compositions. It's fun and scary at the same time. One question I wrestle with is whether there should be deeper meaning or if it's acceptable to work according to what pleases me visually. My approach is very process-based. I start with the visual and as I work, more ideas come to me. In this piece, I used stencils for the shapes. I used 8 because it seemed like it would look good and I used the two leaves to balance the composition. Now I'm toying with the idea of adding something more mysterious about the number 8, maybe something from numerology or an astronomy map, which is based on an 8-point star like this.
If I do, I will try to print it on tissue paper, and then collage it into the piece with wax in next week's class.
Thanks everyone for visiting, especially to Paint Party Friday friends! I so enjoy seeing the work others are doing, and appreciate your comments.
Your encaustic art is wonderful. Your colors and layers work so well together! Whether or not you add the printed tissue, it will have that meaning for you.
ReplyDeleteTher's always deeper meaning in the painting you just need to look for it. :) Love your piece!
ReplyDeleteI love encaustic art, and your piece is lovely! I didn't make it to the party this Friday, but hope to get back soon. I still love to come over and take a peek at everyone's work. I saw you were from Seattle and had to say hi as I will be moving there this spring! Have a great weekend Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Becca. Good luck with your move. Do you know which part of Seattle you're moving to? I'm on the Eastside. I'm somewhat isolated from any local art communities at the moment, but I'm working on it!
DeleteBeautiful WIP, so glad you shared it with us. Happy PPF and enjoy the weekend, Annette x
ReplyDeleteI love this piece and will have to think more about your question. Off the top of my head, I think it is enough to enjoy the process and what looks good to you. Each person will find their own meaning in your work.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully, beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed this and shared...very inspiring!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Ooooo, I've been thinking of doing some encaustic painting - it just looks like it has so much depth! So glad we met through PPF!! :) Silke
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic. I don't know if you should or should not. I think it really depends what is driving you. I do like the idea of the 8 point star, but it is not necessary either.
ReplyDeleteit looks lovely the way it is, very balanced and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing and I would love to see how you incorporate some of those numerology issues into your work... always fun to work new ideas and concepts into the process.. keeps it so fresh... hope you have a great creative week and stay away from the graphite powder.... that stuff spreads everywhere doesn't it...xx
ReplyDeleteAmazing work! :-)
ReplyDeleteI really like your painting, the layers are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteYour painting is great. I say go visually, the meaning will change based on what you are feeling, and what any viewer is feeling and thinking when they look at it. That's the glory of abstracts.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting. I am really liking the sound of that 8 pointed star!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, interesting and captivating wip.Makes me want to wonder down that path ....but not yet, too many other projects on the go...lol ; )
ReplyDeleteAccidentals are sometimes quite welcoming,So far i like all the elements you incorporated and the star idea is novel.....more mystery, I like that too.
P.s. I too find that along the way of a project inspirations pop up, makes it a lot of fun when that happens; )