As promised...

So in my previous entry I promised you some pictures of my encaustic expiraments. Now that I have finally been able to upload them here they are. But first:

I'm again excited because I've ordered some more encaustic colors, beeswax pellets, damar resin crystals, and several sizes of encaustic board so I can finally get to painting on a harder support. Hopefully these studies will be successful enough to use as pieces. I've done two more studies in addition to this. I'll get pictures of those ones two soon. Most of these pieces I'm using to try and directly experiment with the techniques that I have been reading about in my text book. Oh! I should really get the name of the book that I'm reading. Rankin wrote a wonderful book, and it is a great first introduction to the medium.

Today was a WONDERFUL encaustic painting day!

So today I finally got to do some real encaustic painting experimenting with paper. My very first attempt was not very great because I discovered that I forgot to get a heat gun and a regular old lamp doesn't really get the job done. I had more medium today as well.

I did these to on paper just like my first attempt. With one I really experienced balding and the wax was absorbed almost all the way into the paper. Apparently that was too much heat for too long from too strong of an air current. In the end though, I built the wax back up and worked with some color. I used it to experiment with controlling the current to my advantage by blowing colors out in an intentionally organic way. The other one (I not only practiced colors and trying to make a smooth surface) I also embedded some lace within the wax.

Now I'm almost ready to jump into doing it on wood panels and really knocking out some painting. I really need to order more colors and medium though...

The moss box is almost ready. After it dries today I am going to get some dirt; hopefully for I can find some free dirt since I only need a small amount. From there I plop in the moss, fluff it up, and it is ready to go. The big challenge of this piece is going to be maintaining the moss for so long. I've never been terribly good at taking care of any kind of life, especially plant life.

Hopefully I'll have some pictures to share soon!

James Turrell

So last week we read articles and discussed "artists as researchers" and of the two I found the article about James Turrell more inspiring as far as researching as an artist. My initial interest in his works was triggered by his use of light. Turrell is a man who looks much like Santa Clause. To look at him he could fit in with ancient philosophers.

His work often utilizes the manipulation of physical space and projection of light in the space. His installations are said to be a psychological experience.

I was very impressed with his work because of how dedicated he has to be in his research. His works are definately not created just for himself, but for the experience of others as well.