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Waxing Poetic

September 15, 2017

This post contributed by Tianna Lewis.

Artist Karl Kaiser’s studio

Wax and encaustics are fascinating mediums. They offer artists a wide range of possibilities, not least of all, the opportunity to literally play with fire. Cold wax can be used much like other paint mediums, but hot wax is in a league of it’s own, requiring hot plates and blow torches. But don’t take my word for it. Here are five RSG artists that work with and love the medium.

Karl Kaiser performing a demo in his studio

“One of the reasons I enjoy working with encaustic is that I can build up layers more quickly than with other mediums. I also like using the torch as a brush. I try to capture the play of light and motion I see while I work the wax. I do not fight against the hot wax; I let it find it’s own path.”

Karl Kaiser, Stratum 158, encaustic
Karl Kaiser, Stratum 167, encaustic
Eva MacLowry at work in her studio

“For me, working with cold wax medium and oil paint has opened the door to becoming even more abstract. I have always loved working with textures in this medium; it encourages  you to play with scratching back, building up, and creating soft edges. It alters the drying time and creates translucency as well as wonderful patinas. For me it just has endless possibilities and allows me to work in stages.”

Eva MacLowry, Eventide, oil & wax
Eva MacLowry, Eventide, oil & wax
Eva MacLowry, Azure Fields (Gold Leaf Series), oil & wax
Christopher Bibby performing a demo in the gallery

“The surface of the painting is to be treated with absolute disrespect. When you’re searching for new ways to texturize, anything goes.”

Christopher Bibby, Dancing City, oil & wax
Christopher Bibby, Crown Point & Beacon Rock, oil & wax
Martha Pfanschmidt at work in her studio

“I like wax because it allows you to build up distinct layers. It sets up immediately so there is no lag time waiting for something to dry, and it is such a sensual material. You can work bold and bright, or soft and diffuse. It offers a lot to artists as you can work in a variety of ways.”

Martha Pfanschmidt, A Shimmering Silver Jewel, encaustic
Martha Pfanschmidt, Highs & Lows, encaustic
Molly Cliff Hilts preparing for RSG studio visit and interview

“I like the ethereal, dreamy backgrounds and crisp imagery, the way the two play off of each other. I just keep pushing new things. That’s what artists are – you’re just finding new ideas and different ways to express in different mediums. It’s fun.”

Molly was kind enough to have us over for a studio visit and answer a million questions. We’ll be sharing her work and story tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Molly Cliff Hilts, Atmospheric Disturbances, encaustic
Molly Cliff Hilts, Butterfly Sunday, oil & wax

To see more works by these artists, please  Browse the Artist Directory

« The Portland Art Museum’s Annual Staff Show
The Art of Connection: Interview with Portland Artist Molly Cliff Hilts »

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The Rental Sales Gallery, Portland Art Museum recognizes and honors the Indigenous peoples of this region on whose ancestral lands the museum now stands.

These include the Willamette Tumwater, Clackamas, Kathlemet, Molalla, Multnomah and Watlala Chinook Peoples and the Tualatin Kalapuya who today are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and many other Native communities who made their homes along the Columbia River.

We also want to recognize that Portland today is a community of many diverse Native peoples who continue to live and work here. We respectfully acknowledge and honor all Indigenous communities - past, present, future - and are grateful for their ongoing and vibrant presence.

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