Encaustic Art

Encaustic: “What Lies Beneath”

Carissa Brudos

The beauty of wax . . . translucent...sensual...textural...natural...luminous...raw...layered...dimensional…luscious..

soft...warm… transforming and revealing “what lies beneath. ”

Encaustic painting is a technique that involves adding heated beeswax to colored pigments. The liquid is then applied to a surface, usually prepared wood, although canvas and other materials are often used. The term is derived from the Greek, meaning, burning in.  Encaustic is a wonderfully versatile medium, and I love the natural beauty of beeswax and the wide range of techniques that can be used to enhance each piece.  I am drawn to the way encaustic painting engages my senses—the way that it looks, smells and feels.  Color combinations, texture, layering, de-constructing, reconstructing and form are all influenced by the beauty of my surroundings.  It is a process of building up and scraping away to reveal what lies beneath the surface.  

“What Lies Beneath,” is  a collection of work reflecting a moment in time, a memory, a sensation and feeling.  My artwork is inspired by the natural journey of discovering the process and qualities of wax.  I am inspired by the beauty and sensations I have experienced in the many environments I encounter.  I am drawn to organic repetition found in nature, soft edges without hard boundaries.  My intention is to share my love of rich, dimensional and mysterious surfaces that fascinate and surprise.  Since art lives in my heart, it will continue to evolve with me.  I make art because it ignites my passion, and then flies away into the world and brings light to others.

Visit the link below to view the artwork

Murals make our neighborhoods beautiful!  They add color to building walls and streets that would otherwise go unnoticed.  This summer, we started planning and preparing for a mural painted on the concrete wall outside the De Soto HS/MS.  I worked with a colleague to grid and draw the images on the wall prior to painting.  Mrs. Buchner and middle school students, from the Summer on the River, helped to paint the mural a solid color before drawing could begin.  De Soto students, teachers and myself have been painting the wall since summer school started.  The mural is  a visual collaborative project to  illustrate our Pirate pride, quality education, and community history.  I am proud to support this wonderful opportunity to collaborate with our students, staff and community.