An encaustic monotype is a one-of-a-kind, hand-pulled fine art print. Basically it is a painting transferred to paper. My monotypes are created by applying encaustic paint onto a heated aluminum palette then transferred to paper by hand burnishing with a baren. I also create mixed media pieces using monotype collage and painting. I print on a variety of papers including handmade, Japanese hemp and archival printmaking papers. I often use metallic paint to develop a shagreen texture with pronounced dimensionality.
My paintings are created with encaustic which is both an ancient method and medium consisting of pigment suspended in beeswax. It has been used for thousands of years. Modern encaustic paint also contains damar resin, a natural tree resin added to increase the hardening of wax. Encaustic paintings are extremely durable and archival - they will never yellow, fade or deteriorate. The Faiyum Egyptian encaustic paintings are as vibrant and colorful today as they were when painted 2000 years ago.
Encaustic is melted on an aluminum palette at 200 F then quickly applied in its molten state to wood panels using natural bristle brushes. Each layer is fused with a heat gun or torch. Through scraping, incising and accretion I am able to reveal multiple layers or raise a thick textured surface. Image transfers of my photographs, mixed media and drawing are also utilized. Generous amounts of iridescent paint provide shimmer while mica and dry earth pigments create more distinct, complex and linear imagery.