After the Retreat

Boy that felt good to go to my studio and be able to work pretty solid for 3 days straight. It was really more like 2 1/2 because I had to clean out the studio first, reset up one of my tables, find where I'd put all my supplies having just moved them to brand new shelves, and then just generally get into the groove of hot wax. I blew a switch and had to reset and now know what my limits are. And I'm loving my Iwatani torch. It does in fact do a better job of smoothing my layers of wax though there is some show of the underlayers of plain medium through my colored waxes overlaying. I haven't quite figured out why yet nor how I really want to deal with this opportunity to problem solve. I'll put some images up shortly from my retreat.

I also discovered that as much as I'd like to sit down to create in more comfort, it makes more sense and is physically easier to do the laying on of medium and color and the fusing standing up. Now I must think how I can alternate so I have some chair time and standing time -- and not forget the stretching time either.

Also, I'm going to be teaching an one-day Encaustic Class at Trails End Art Association/Gallery in Gearhart in August and I'm gathering some new material to teach, especially ways to incorporate representative wax drawing into paintings which often tend to be wildly abstract or collaged. Look at the sidebar for information but give me a day to get it up!

Spring Season Retreat

So what do you do when you're brimming with ideas for new series of works and want to explore some imagery? That's the best time to get into your studio and work. Call it a retreat and work just like you do in a retreat - that means put out the dog, let the cat do what cat's do, put aside every other "To Do" on your list, get some great breakfast and lunch supplies on hand with tea and cold water and pop available, and order dinner out. Time to immerse yourself in the art you create and let it take you.

For the next 4 days I'm all about encaustic. Sleep, dream, think, do and do and do! Tune in for some new works going up in the next week after my retreat is over.