Encaustic with Mixed Media (Crayon Wrappings)

One day, peeling the paper wrappers off crayons for my students’ art lesson, I was transported back to my childhood love of the vivid, joyful colors in a giant box of Crayola crayons. I can still remember gazing at them in wonder and breathing in that delicious, waxy scent. Years later, I discovered a way to meld all those fabulous colors into my artwork - by using paper wrappings to create shapes in infinite layers of encaustic wax.

Connection III • 18”x18” Encaustic — Connection III • 18”x18” • Encaustic Mixed Media. Resides in the permanent collection, Museum of Encaustic Art, Santa Fe, NM.

Connection II • 18”x18” Encaustic — Connection II • 18”x18” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Almost There I • 30”x30” Encaustic — Almost There I • 30”x30” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Connection VI • 18”x18” Encaustic — Connection VI • 18”x18” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Connection I • 18”x18” Encaustic — Connection I • 18”x18” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Almost There II • 30”x30” Encaustic — Almost There II • 30”x30” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Inward • 30”x30” Encaustic — Inward • 30”x30” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Connection V • 18”x18” Encaustic — Connection V • 18”x18” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Inspiration I • 24”x24” Encaustic — Inspiration I • 24”x24” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Origin II • 12”x12” Encaustic — Origin II • 12”x12” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Inspiration II • 24”x24” Encaustic — Inspiration II • 24”x24” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Inspiration III • 24”x24” Encaustic — Inspiration III • 24”x24” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Origin I • 12”x12” Encaustic — Origin I • 12”x12” • Encaustic with Mixed Media

Encaustic with Mixed Media (Found Objects)

Integrating pieces of metal and other found objects, this series began as a spontaneous expression of frustration. After preparing a smooth surface, I hammered nails into the layers of wax on wood, fostering a sense of control and satisfaction. Softer paint colors with found objects of round metal and soft rubber result from a more peaceful state of mind.