Wax, Wisdom, and the Wounds of Life: An Encaustic Exploration of Resilience

Close up of encaustic painting with copy; "Healing aroma of Beeswax." by artist Leonie.e.Brown

ARTISTIC JOURNEYS

Wax, Wisdom, and the Wounds of Life: An Encaustic Exploration of Resilience

"Encaustic art is more than just a medium for me—it’s a metaphor for life itself. Layered, messy, raw, and sometimes painful, each piece I create symbolizes resilience and healing. "

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"As I sit in my studio, surrounded by the gentle glow of candles and the soft scent of wax, I am reminded of the transformative power of art. Encaustic art, with its fluid textures and vibrant colors, has become my sanctuary, my confidant, and my catalyst for healing."

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What is Encaustic Art?

Encaustic art is like a warm embrace on a cold day. It’s a medium that wraps itself around my heart, whispering stories of hope and resilience. As I work with the wax and pigment, I feel like I’m unravelling the threads of my own soul.

The Layers of Meaning: Techniques for Creating Encaustic Art

For me, encaustic art is a journey of discovery. It’s about experimenting with different techniques, like:

Scraping: The gentle scrape of the knife, like the tender touch of a loved one’s hand.

Layering: Building up layers of wax and pigment, like the layers of our own stories, each one a testament to our strength and vulnerability.

Mark-making: The bold strokes of the brush, like the declaration of our unique voice.

In this space, I find solace. I find myself. And I hope, dear reader, that you will too.

The Wounds of Life

Life’s journey is not always easy. We all carry scars, some visible, some hidden. Mine are etched on my heart, a reminder of love, loss, and lessons learned. As I work with wax, I find solace in its fluidity and ability to adapt and transform.

Encaustic Art as Therapy

Encaustic art has become my therapy, my way of processing emotions and navigating life’s challenges. With each brush stroke, I release worries, fears, and doubts. The wax absorbs my energy, leaving me with a sense of calm, clarity, and purpose.

The Language of the Soul: Symbolism in Encaustic Art

The colours I chose are deeply symbolic. Red channels passion, the will to keep going despite obstacles. Blue brings calm, reminding me of the peace I find through acceptance. Yellow embodies resilience, a reminder of strength in the face of adversity. These colours aren’t just pigments on a canvas—they’re pieces of my journey, symbols of my struggles and my healing.

As I polish each layer of wax, I think of how every experience—painful or joyful—leaves a mark on our lives. Each layer I create mirrors the layers we all carry within us. Together, these colours, textures, and stories form a cohesive, beautiful narrative of resilience and hope.

A Window to the Heart: Creative Expression through Encaustic Art

In my art, I often incorporate symbols and elements that hold personal significance. The spiral, a symbol of growth and transformation, reminds me that life is a journey, not a destination. The circle, representing unity and wholeness, encourages me to embrace my flaws and imperfections.

An Invitation to Join the Journey

It’s about finding strength in vulnerability, beauty in brokenness, and wisdom in the whispers of wax.

Art is my connection to others who have walked through life’s shadows and found the courage to keep going. My encaustic paintings invite viewers to embrace their journeys of healing, resilience, and transformation. Each piece offers not only visual beauty but an emotional mirror—a connection that honors the layers of experience we all hold within us.

Thank you for joining me in this journey of transformation. Through my art, I hope to breathe life into our shared experiences, to celebrate resilience, and to remind us all that every stroke, every layer, and every color adds to the beauty of life.

SEEKING THE LIGHT

October 8, 2024November 21, 2024

The Process of Encaustic Art: A Path to Emotional Healing

WHY I PAINT

Turning Pain into Beauty

"Have you ever wondered what resilience looks like if you could hold it in your hands? Imagine a world where trauma melts like wax, and healing blooms in vibrant, abstract landscapes. My journey as an encaustic artist embodies this process—turning pain into beauty, layer by layer. Through every piece, I explore the emotional transformation that comes with healing, just as my artwork transforms under heat and pressure."

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The Process: A Metaphor for Personal Growth

Creating an encaustic piece is a meditative ritual that can span up to 60 hours. The process begins by sanding a wooden board to its raw state—a symbolic stripping away of old beliefs and traumas. Just as we dismantle emotional walls in our lives, this preparation is the foundation for the transformative art to come.

Layer by layer, I build up the surface with homemade encaustic gesso. Each application mirrors the emotional work of replacing old, destructive beliefs with new affirmations of self-worth and acceptance. Only after these layers can I start applying the beeswax, symbolizing the new emotional foundation on which we rebuild.

The Alchemy of Encaustic: Turning Pain into Beauty

My journey with encaustic art began as a way to express what words couldn’t capture. This ancient technique, which involves layering molten beeswax with pigments, mirrors the painstaking process of emotional recovery. Just as each layer of wax is carefully applied and fused at over 80°C, so too does healing require patience, persistence, and the courage to face the heat of transformation.

The Patience of Encaustic Art: A Metaphor for Healing

Encaustic art demands patience—much like the journey of healing from past traumas and life challenges. The physical process begins long before the first stroke of wax hits the canvas. It involves hours of preparation—melting beeswax, mixing in pigments, and applying layer after layer of wax, each carefully heated to over 80°C.

This technique mirrors life’s own slow and deliberate process of physical growth. Healing, like encaustic art, isn’t instantaneous. It takes time, and each layer—just like the emotional layers we peel back in life—needs careful attention. Mistakes happen, wax cracks, but it’s all part of the beauty. Through encaustic, I’ve learned that imperfections are not flaws but marks of progress. Just as our emotional scars make us who we are, each piece of encaustic art is a testament to the beauty of the imperfect.

"Just as the layers of wax and pigment slowly build up to reveal a final piece, our emotional recovery is a process of peeling back old wounds and letting new affirmations solidify."

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The Patience of Encaustic Art: A Metaphor for Healing

The encaustic process I use in my abstract landscapes is deeply symbolic. It reflects the emotional work of dismantling old patterns and traumas, paralleling my healing journey. The process begins with sanding the wooden board down to its raw, untouched state—representing the breaking down of emotional walls and deeply held traumas.

Each encaustic painting involves layering homemade encaustic gesso, sanding between each application. This mirrors the process of learning new thought patterns, replacing old, destructive beliefs—such as rejection and unworthiness—with affirmations of self-worth, love, and acceptance.

Finally, three layers of beeswax are applied, each one heated until the surface becomes smooth and shiny. This part of the process, which can take up to 16 hours, symbolises the fire of life that tests our new beliefs and emotional foundations. The heat of the wax brings emotional “dross”—old habits and behaviors—to the surface, where they can be addressed and healed. Only when the dross is cleared can I begin laying the artistic foundations for a new, transformed version of myself.

Finally, the board is ready for the painting process to begin. Only once all the dross, the bad habits, the wrong patterns, the wrong reactions, and the past are recognised and changed can I start laying a new foundation for a new me.

Each encaustic painting, then, is more than just art—it’s a reflection of resilience, renewal, and transformation. For those who collect my work, these pieces represent more than just visual beauty; they offer an emotional connection and a mirror to their own journey of personal growth and healing.

"One of my earliest encaustic pieces was created during a particularly challenging time in my life. The process of sanding down the board felt like stripping away layers of emotional burden, a metaphor for the trauma I was shedding."

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Creating a Surface for Encaustic Art:

Use Quality Gesso: A mix of acrylic paint and Plaster of Paris provides a strong, absorbent base.
Apply Multiple Coats: More coats ensure better adhesion for the wax.
Sand Between Coats: Smoothing the surface between applications helps the wax adhere better.
Prime with Wax: Use at least 3 coats of clear encaustic wax to create a durable foundation for your piece.

MORE ABOUT ENCAUSTICS

September 20, 2024November 21, 2024

A Bumbling Artist’s Guide to Encaustic Painting

A metal thermometer inserted into a yellow container on a messy work surface

ARTISTIC JOURNEYS

Temperature Tango: Wax Melting in Progress

"First things first: What is encaustic art? It's an ancient technique where you paint with molten beeswax mixed with pigments. Yep, you heard that right. We're basically making fancy, colorful candles and smearing them on boards. It's as messy and awesome as it sounds."

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What is encaustic art?

How to Be a Mad Wax Scientist: Adventures in Encaustic Art

Oh boy, let me tell you about encaustic art. It’s like being a mad scientist, but instead of bubbling potions, you’re working with hot wax. Sounds fun, right? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the weird and wonderful world of hot wax painting!

First things first: What is encaustic art? It’s an ancient technique where you paint with molten beeswax mixed with pigments. Yep, you heard that right. We’re basically making fancy, colourful candles and smearing them on boards. It’s as messy and awesome as it sounds.

Now, before you can even think about creating your masterpiece, you’ve got to prep. And by prep, I mean spend what feels like eons getting everything ready. It’s like preparing for a space mission, but instead of freeze-dried ice cream, you’re working with acrylic paint and plaster. Yum.

Step 1:

Make the gesso. Mix that acrylic with your plaster, and voila! You’ve got a concoction that smells like wet dog and looks like lumpy milk. Appetizing, right? Slather that on your board, let it dry, sand it down. Repeat. And repeat. And… you guessed it, repeat. By the time you’re done, you’ll have arms like Popeye and the patience of a saint.

Creating a surface that the encaustic wax will adhere to is crucial. If the wax flakes off, your artwork will be a disaster. A well-prepared surface provides a stable foundation for the wax, ensuring that your masterpiece lasts for years to come.

Here are some tips for creating a suitable surface:

Use a quality gesso: A gesso made from acrylic paint and Plaster of Paris. It provides a strong, absorbent base for the wax.

1. 1. Apply multiple coats: The more coats of gesso you apply, the better the adhesion will be.
  2. Sand between coats: Sanding between coats helps to create a smooth surface and ensures that the next coat adheres properly.
  3. Prime with 3 coats of clear encaustic wax. Ok, Im not there yet!

Step 2:

Create your encaustic medium. Melt some beeswax, throw in some damar resin, and baby, you’ve got a stew going! A very hot, very sticky stew that you should absolutely not eat. Trust me on this one.

Remember, keeping the wax at the right temperature is crucial. If you overheat it to more than 80°C, the beeswax can break down, becoming brittle and losing its flexibility. This can result in cracks, discoloration, and even ruin your artwork. So, keep a close eye on your thermometer!

Now comes the fun part – actually painting! Except it’s less like painting and more like a high-stakes game of “how fast can you move before the wax cools?” It’s exhilarating, it’s frustrating, it’s… okay, sometimes it’s a total disaster. I once created a piece that was supposed to be a serene landscape but ended up looking like a wax factory exploded. Abstract art, anyone?

But when it works? Oh boy, does it work. The luminous quality of encaustic wax art is like nothing else. It’s like capturing sunlight in layers of translucent magic. I’ve made some encaustic wax abstract art that I’m pretty chuffed about – pieces that seem to glow from within, telling stories in their depth and texture.

Of course, mastering encaustic wax art techniques is a journey. One day you’re feeling like the Michelangelo of wax, the next you’re scraping off layers of what looks like solidified chicken soup. But that’s the beauty of it – every piece is an adventure.

For those brave souls interested in encaustic art for sale, just know that each piece comes with its own story of triumph, disaster, and the occasional singed eyebrow. It’s not just art; it’s a battle scar from the great wax wars.

That’s why I do not teach encaustic art, not only do you burn yourself silly, but you spend so much time prepping and with no guarantees that your artwork is actually going to work. Most people simply don’t have the patience for it. It’s also extremely expensive to make.

Let’s break down the costs:

- - Wax: Beeswax is a natural product, and its price can fluctuate depending on quality and availability. However, good quality beeswax for encaustic art isn’t cheap.
    - - Encaustic Medium: R150 – R300 per 500g block
      - Beeswax: R100 – R200 per 500g block
      - Damar Resin: R150 – R250 per 500g
  - Pigments: Encaustic pigments are specially formulated to withstand the heat of the wax. These can be significantly more expensive than traditional artist’s pigments.
    - - Pigments: R50 – R100 per 100g (depending on pigment type and quality)
  - Brushes: You can use specific encaustic brushes, which are designed to handle hot wax, or modify regular brushes for encaustic painting. However, even with modification, expect brushes to wear down quickly due to the heat.
  - Heating tools: You’ll need a palette or heating pan specifically designed for encaustic work. These can range in price depending on features and functionality.
    - - Hot Air Gun: R1000 – R2000 (depending on brand and power)
      - Hotplate: R500 – R1500 (depending on size and features)
  - Hotplate: A hotplate is essential for melting and keeping encaustic wax at a consistent temperature. It provides a stable and controlled environment for your work.

So, while encaustic art can be incredibly rewarding, the investment in time, materials, and potential frustration is significant.

But for those interested in learning how to paint with more readily available materials and techniques, please go to my Lifeartschool and Academy website at www.lifeartschool.co.za. We offer a variety of courses designed to help you develop your artistic skills and unleash your creativity.

Happy painting!

MORE ABOUT ENCAUSTICS

August 8, 2024November 21, 2024

How to be a mad art scientist

Abstract expressionist painting by Leonie.e.Brown hanging in the DALA (KV Art ), reception area

ARTISTIC JOURNEYS

transforming spaces with vibrant wall art

I'm a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to my art. I'm always tinkering, experimenting, and trying to push the boundaries of what's possible.

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Art isn't just what you see—it's what you make others feel. (Emotional art). And I've been feeling a lot lately—cold, muddy Cape Town mornings, kitchen renovations that seem never-ending, and the relentless rain that’s turned my horse trails into impassable quagmires

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Art and Business

It’s been a crazy few months here in Cape Town. I’ve had little time to breathe between home renovations, website updates, the persistent Cape Town winter, and a new puppy. Even my trusty steed is feeling the blues. But in between all this chaos, something beautiful has been brewing—new art, fresh ideas, and the ever-exciting dance between creativity and chaos.

From My Studio to Your Home

I recently received a wonderful picture from Kevin, the owner of KV ART. A few years back, Kevin purchased one of my large abstracts, and now it proudly hangs in the reception area of the Dala KV Art Factory shop. Seeing my art bring life to spaces like this is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Thank you, Kevin, for your continued support!

Art isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about experimentation and innovation. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with amazing people like Willem from Zellen to create Cold Wax products and Kevin from Dala to develop Fluid Paint, long before these mediums gained popularity in South Africa. The excitement of constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas keeps my creative spirit alive.

From the Studio to Your Space

Speaking of experiments, I’ve made a little deal with myself—only abstracts on canvas with cold wax until July. After that, it’s time for some encaustic abstract landscapes. Encaustics, for those of you who don’t speak “art nerd,” is a technique that’s as unpredictable as it is mesmerising. Working large with hot wax isn’t for the faint-hearted (or those without a good burn cream handy), but the results? Nothing short of spectacular.

Creating art is not just about splashing colours on a canvas; it’s about telling a story, evoking emotions, and yes, sometimes even burning yourself in the process. But hey, no pain, no gain, right? And trust me, the stories behind these pieces are as rich and textured as the art itself.

Cold Wax and Encaustic Art: Creating Emotional Connections

One of the unique forms of art I create is cold wax and oil abstracts. This technique involves layering cold wax and oil paint to produce textured, vibrant pieces that engage viewers both visually and emotionally. The process is intuitive and spontaneous, allowing the art to flow from the head to the heart. Each piece is a journey, inviting viewers to explore their own emotions and connect with the artwork on a deeper level.

Art that Connects

Now, I don’t want to bore you with too much talk about myself—I’ve never been one to enjoy the spotlight. But I get it, this is what we have to do. So here goes: since 2004, I’ve been pouring my heart into oil paintings, cold wax creations, and encaustic masterpieces. My work isn’t just about filling a space; it’s about breathing life into it. Whether it’s a vibrant splash of red to ignite your living room or a textured landscape that transports you to a serene escape, my goal is to make art that resonates with you on a deep, personal level.

And while I’d love nothing more than to retreat to a quiet hilltop with my horses and paint in peace, the truth is, I thrive on the connection I have with people like you. Even if it’s just through a screen, a shared story, or a piece of art that speaks to your soul.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

Here’s a little secret: most artists, including myself, spend more time on admin than on actual painting. My husband jokes that I would have made a great hermit—happy to hide away on a mountain with my animals and my art. But the reality? 80% of my time is spent juggling emails, planning social media content, and, oh yes, renovating kitchens. So when I do get those precious moments to create, I make sure every brushstroke counts.

Life has been a whirlwind lately – between updating my website, writing blogs, and tackling kitchen renovations, things have been busy. Cape Town has been cold and muddy, making it impossible for me to indulge in my passion for horse riding. But that’s life, right? Full of ups and downs, all of which feed into the art I create.

I’m reaching out to galleries across the UK, Germany, and Australia, eager to showcase my work. Selling online is fantastic, but I dream of seeing my art in local galleries too. It’s a delicate balance – galleries need to make money, and so do I. That’s why I’ve decided to offer a fair solution: if a piece sells online while hanging in a gallery, the gallery will still receive a percentage of the sale. It’s only fair since they’re offering me precious wall space.

Thank You:
To all my subscribers, thank you for your unwavering support. Your love for art is what keeps my brushes moving and my heart full.

As a thank you for subscribing, enjoy a special 15% discount on any of my online art courses! Unlock your inner artist with courses like “Amazing Abstracts” and embark on a creative adventure with me. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Grab Your 15% Discount Now!

Feel free to share your thoughts and let me know if there’s anything more you’d like to see in the newsletter or if you have any particular stories behind your own art collection that you’d love to share.

Let’s continue making the world a more beautiful place—one brushstroke at a time.

WHAT IS ENCAUSTIC PAINTING

Encaustic Hot Wax Abstract Landscapes: Take Me on a Journey

Encaustic hot wax abstract landscapes are another signature style of my work. This ancient technique uses heated beeswax mixed with colored pigments to create rich, textured artworks. The fluidity and versatility of hot wax allow for stunning abstract landscapes that captivate the viewer’s imagination. These pieces take the viewer on a journey through dynamic, layered compositions that evoke the beauty and complexity of the natural world.