My Story

In my studio

Encaustic Process

Encaustic is an ancient form of painting originally practiced by the Greeks. The technique uses beeswax mixed with Demar resin.
The molten wax is applied typically to a wood panel, then each layer is fused with either a propane torch or a heat gun to create a luminous and layered effect.
I love encaustic painting for it's very unique blend of versatility and experimentation. The translucent layers of wax create depth and light giving it a unique glow. It's exciting to be able to carve and sculpt into the layers of wax to create even greater dimension. I also enjoy embedding organic materials, such as dried ferns or pods into the wax.

Every since I was a young child, I loved arts and crafts! My days were consumed by painting rocks, creating sculptures and chimes from oysters and clam shells, making candles (my first experience with molten wax) and creating macrame plant hangers. I grew up spending many weeks a year with my family at our summer property on beautiful Hood Canal, Washington. It was my playground for accessing all those materials that went into my creative projects. One of my other creative endeavors prior to painting was owning a business working as a florist, primarily designing flowers for weddings.
In my later years, I studied acrylic and watercolor painting, but then I was introduced to Encaustic painting, which has truly deepened my love of art.
Growing up and currently living around the water and forests of the Pacific Northwest is where I draw my greatest inspiration for my landscape art.

Painting with molten wax is a meditative process for me, making hours spent in my art studio feel like minutes in a day!!

Within the Flowers 16"x20"