"Sassy" from the Mega Afro Puff series

I've got this insane love of Afros and decided I wanted to do a series dedicated to ladies sporting the biggest and fiercest afros.

The first in the Series is called Sassy.

Sassy
This is a textured acrylic knife painting, done with a tiny painting knife. The background is made with plaster mixed with sand and acrylic paint.

A few weeks later, I got curious to see if I could duplicate this painting in wax.
I did a better job at controlling the wax flow than I did in Afro Soul.

"Sassy" in wax

If the shoe fits, buy it....

Oh for the love of shoes.

Those that know me, are aware that I am very passionate about some things...my art and shoes! Combine the two and I am in heaven.

My latest ecucastic work is borne from my love of shoes. Of course this will become a series. I am toying with the idea of putting some of my favorite shoe quotes on these. Haven't decided yet, however.

"If the shoe fits, buy it in every color."
"New shoes cure the blues."
"Life is short, by the shoes"
"A girl can't have too many pairs."
"Do you have a purse to go with these."
"So many shoes, so little time."
"Will work for shoes."


Encaustic on 4x6 wood panel

Another set of handmade panels finished...whew

I have finally completed another set of handmade cradle boards done. They are smaller than the last one I did. These are 4x6, 4x8 and 4x12 in size. They are all painted with Golden's Absorbent Ground and ready for me to do some new encaustic pieces.

Taking encaustics to a new level

After about 4 months of playing around and learning the art of encaustics, I decided I wanted to make an attempt at more of a representational piece instead of a totally abstract one.

Out of that desire came "Afro Soul". I loved this whole creative process. It was a learning event for me.


Now there are some obvious flaws that jump right out on this picture. But again,that was part of the learning process. I am still learning to control how much my wax moves when fusing. And I double my frustrations when doing incision work. But never fear, I will learn the ends and out and you will see more encaustic creations along this line from me.

Also I was recording along with running my web cam. I had 30+ folks tuned in asking questions. It was fun putting on that learning demo for everyone.
Part I


Part II

The danger of toxic fumes from improperly heated wax.

Back in April or May, I decided to go outside on the patio and make my medium. In the process, I forgot to put down a piece of plywood to protect the patio from wax spills. (It's that gravel kind and difficult to clean wax from between the gravel.) In the process, a bee flew at me and I bumped the container and spilled at least 8 oz of wax.

Even though it was quite warm out, it still became solid so I had to get my heat gun to clean it up. Now here is where I was not too smart. I didn't have on a respirator mask and I was bent right over the wax melting (on a high setting) and wiping. I didn't work straight, I took breaks. But about 20 minutes in, I got this feeling like someone was standing on my chest and I could not breath. It dawned on me that I was there breathing in all these fumes! I went out farther into the yard to get some fresh air. It helped but I was still having some problems breathing.

I went to the emergency room and after two rounds of breathing treatments I can't believe I was so careless. I had to go have follow-up chest x-rays later that week and then again two weeks later.

I can't believe I was so careless. I just wanted to share this with everyone as a reminder to be very careful. I let my guard down with ventilation because I was outside. So everyone, please, please, please be careful.

Sun and Moon Electric Battle

Mixed media on canvas (30x30in)

I love the energy of this piece. Of course starting out I had no idea where I was going. Just started by smacking paste on the canvas and creating texture with pallet knives, combs, fingers and a stick.

I was asked how I decided on the colors. Well here is my highly refined method of selecting colors. I have several boxes of cut up paint chips. One in muted colors, one in bright colors and with everything mixed together. I close my eyes, reach into the box and grab a handful. I then shake my hand until some fall out. Whatever is left is my color pallet. No deep thought or pondering for me. I just take what I get and make it work somehow.

The Implosion

I started this painting with the intention of it being called explosion. However, I got carried away with the eggshells in the center and it looked more like they were being pulled in as opposed to forced out.

I was hesitant to add color. For some reason the dark, funky, craziness appealed to me.


However, I do like the muted colors in the final piece.
Mixed Media on 30x30 canvas

Close up of the eggshells and spackle texture.