New directions

January came and went, and after recovering from the holidays my creative energy was focused on continuing the development of two distinct bodies of new work. In addition, I resumed teaching encaustic painting classes and workshops at two locations on the North Shore of Chicago. Class information is posted on websites for The Evanston Art Center, The North Shore Art League

In the fall I started working with encaustic using a Tjanting tool combined with a wax pour. My desire to create time and place by simply using color and the sensibility of depth has kept me entranced.  Understanding abstract art and painting with pure feeling led to the "Elemental" series. A few new samples below:

"Squall"

encaustic on cradled wood panel

10" x 22"

"Ice"

encaustic on cradled wood panel, diptych

10" x 20" 

I decided to submit "Ice" to the juried winter show at the Copley Society of Art and the best feedback for me was hearing this piece was accepted into the show.

"Swarm"

encaustic on cradled wood panels, hexaptych

8" x 12"

I have also been developing a new collection of encaustic monotypes. I decided to incorporate traditional silk scrolls for the presentation of many of these works. I often cut and collage the prints using the white space on the scroll to enhance the work. A few new samples below:

"Yellow Mountains" 

34” x 9”

Cascade

59.5” x 23.5”

Wisdom Tree

65” x 15”

Another highlight for me will occur in March when I am curating my student's show at the North Shore Art League. Ten past and present students have been invited to display up to three encaustic pieces and we are looking forward to sharing with the public how creatively each artist uses the medium. I will be sharing more show details as they become available.