Hey where in Maine are you? My brother lives in Monmouth. I have been gathering all the stuff for encaustics, yet am afraid to start. Currently watching you video in hopes that I will go in there and give it a go.
Hi Debbie, you can check out Dietlind's website for details on her upcoming workshops. Or find her contact details to learn more: www.dietlindvanderschaaf.com/workshops
Thank you! I am about to buy my first encaustic mediums. May I ask where the 15% off coupon is? That would help out as a beginner no doubt.........grateful for your lessons.......loves
As a beginner with immune system concerns I’d like to understand more about the safety of using a fan to eliminate fumes especially in winter months when windows must be closed. What does the set up look like? Do you position the pancake griddle next to the fan which is set backwards into the window to draw the fumes out? Also is the encaustic material itself toxic in any way or is it more about the heat or smoke point of the material? I’ve only worked once with encaustic and love the flexibility and creativity of this medium but want to address these concerns before investing further.
Hi Karen! These are great questions. R&F's website has all the information you need about safety and setup. Encaustic is relatively safe, main concerns are fumes, burns, pigments and solvents. You can read more here: www.rfpaints.com/encaustic-safety As for the studio setup, they have an information page with resources about the basics of encaustic, how to ventilate your studio and a temperature chart here: www.rfpaints.com/getting-started Having a source of fresh air is absolutely necessary. You unfortunately may have to wait for a warmer day and/or wear a coat indoors while working during winter.
I was looking at warming plates for monotype printing, since I cannot seem to find the heating plates that are made for encaustics (did they stop making them?). Anyway, I know that the heat should be 180 - 200 degress, but some warming plates, their low temperature is 212 degrees - how bad is that for monotype printing if the wax isn't going to be on the plates for that long?
Hi Angela, R&F did stop making them. You can get a warming/heating plate meant for cooking and ONLY use it for encaustic. A warming plate with a low temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit should still work for your purposes, especially if the wax won't be on the plates for an extended period. :)
Hi Jamie, Yes, you can apply oil paint glazes on top of R&F encaustics. R&F Encaustic paints are a type of wax-based paint, and they can provide a unique and textured surface for your artwork. When using oil paint glazes over encaustics, there are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Surface Preparation: Make sure that your encaustic surface is clean, dry, and free from any dust or debris. If the encaustic surface has any irregularities, you may want to smooth it out with a heat gun or a hot palette knife. 2. Compatibility: Oil paint and encaustics are generally compatible. Oil paint can adhere well to the wax surface. However, it's important to let your encaustic painting cool and harden completely before applying the oil glaze. 3. Glaze Application: Apply the oil paint glaze thinly and evenly. You can use a soft brush or a rag to apply the glaze. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before applying additional glazes. This helps in achieving the desired transparency and depth. 4. Drying Time: Keep in mind that oil paint takes a longer time to dry compared to other types of paint. Be patient and allow the glazes to dry thoroughly before making any further adjustments or applying subsequent layers. 5. Varnishing: Once your oil paint glazes are completely dry, you can apply a final varnish to protect the artwork. Make sure to choose a varnish that is compatible with both encaustics and oil paints. 6. Experiment: As with any mixed media techniques, it's a good idea to experiment on a small test piece or a separate surface before applying oil glazes to your main encaustic artwork. This will allow you to gauge the results and make any necessary adjustments. Overall, working with oil paint glazes on top of encaustics can create interesting visual effects and depth in your artwork. Just be patient and experiment to achieve the desired results, and ensure you're using proper safety precautions when working with encaustics, as they involve the use of heat and melted wax.
Would you please share your source for buying wet strength tissue? I'd like to compare it to the silk tissue I used to use. It has become much too expensive and I'm hoping the wet strength tissue will work similarly and be available for a better price. Thanks for a great demo!
Hi Elizabeth. We are so glad you enjoyed the demo! We are not sure about what you are inquiring about, could you please share the time stamp where Dietlind is using a tissue you are looking for?
Wet strength tissue is abaca (paper) tissue. There are lots of different weights and it is relatively inexpensive. You will find it quite easy to buy it from a good art paper retailer. I live in Australia but my cousin in the UK sends me different weights. I guess there must be similar retailers in Northern America and other countries. Silk tissue is a very lightweight silk fabric and yes, it is expensive, wherever you live. Well, it would be cheaper in countries that harvest it but you would have to buy zillions of metres/yards. Hope that is helpful and hope it is correct!
It is recommended to work on a metal table or a heat resistant surface designed to handle the heat from the flame. Learn about studio setup on R&F's website: www.rfpaints.com/unique-color/2021/1/25/encaustic-basic-studio-setup
You will need to experiment, but it is crucial to keep the torch moving at all times. It is a common mistake to leave the torch in an area for too long. www.rfpaints.com/unique-color/2021/4/26/encaustic-using-a-torch
Hi Ana, it is not recommended to resin a finished encaustic piece. Encaustic work can be finished to have a wonderful natural sheen simply by polishing with a soft cloth (microfiber rags and pantyhose work very well) or the palm of your hand. Encaustic naturally has the appearance of a varnished surface, so there really is no need to varnish or seal your painting with additional materials. Using a varnish could also partially dissolve the wax over time so it's best to rely on the natural beauty of wax.
Hi Marielle! We wouldn't recommend using your oven or stove for encaustic painting. It's better to keep all of your painting and studio supplies separate from where you prepare food. You need to have a heated palette such as a pancake griddle to work on where you can melt and mix paint.😊
R&F Encaustic paints can be extended or diluted using their own line of encaustic mediums. These mediums are formulated to maintain the integrity of the encaustic paint while altering its consistency. The Encaustic Medium, for instance, can be added to the paint to make it more translucent or to create glazes. See R&F Mediums here: store.abovegroundartsupplies.com/departments/mediums-%7CA3%7CA3B%7CA3B003.html
Great instruction. I’m only near the beginning, but I do wish I could see what you are doing on the palette mixing the paints.
Hey where in Maine are you? My brother lives in Monmouth. I have been gathering all the stuff for encaustics, yet am afraid to start. Currently watching you video in hopes that I will go in there and give it a go.
Hi Debbie, you can check out Dietlind's website for details on her upcoming workshops. Or find her contact details to learn more: www.dietlindvanderschaaf.com/workshops
I would love to see methods of building translucent layers of photographic imagery into paintings,also gold leaf application.
Thank you! I am about to buy my first encaustic mediums. May I ask where the 15% off coupon is? That would help out as a beginner no doubt.........grateful for your lessons.......loves
Hi there! The coupon code is no longer valid. Sign up to our email list or our socials to know when our sales are happening 🧡
Looking for a source for an electric stylus with a bowl to hold wax.
Do you know why R&F stopped making their palettes?
I would love you to do a video with collage and encaustic
As a beginner with immune system concerns I’d like to understand more about the safety of using a fan to eliminate fumes especially in winter months when windows must be closed. What does the set up look like? Do you position the pancake griddle next to the fan which is set backwards into the window to draw the fumes out? Also is the encaustic material itself toxic in any way or is it more about the heat or smoke point of the material? I’ve only worked once with encaustic and love the flexibility and creativity of this medium but want to address these concerns before investing further.
Hi Karen! These are great questions. R&F's website has all the information you need about safety and setup. Encaustic is relatively safe, main concerns are fumes, burns, pigments and solvents. You can read more here: www.rfpaints.com/encaustic-safety
As for the studio setup, they have an information page with resources about the basics of encaustic, how to ventilate your studio and a temperature chart here: www.rfpaints.com/getting-started
Having a source of fresh air is absolutely necessary. You unfortunately may have to wait for a warmer day and/or wear a coat indoors while working during winter.
@@AboveGroundArtSuppliesToronto Thank you.
I was looking at warming plates for monotype printing, since I cannot seem to find the heating plates that are made for encaustics (did they stop making them?). Anyway, I know that the heat should be 180 - 200 degress, but some warming plates, their low temperature is 212 degrees - how bad is that for monotype printing if the wax isn't going to be on the plates for that long?
Hi Angela, R&F did stop making them. You can get a warming/heating plate meant for cooking and ONLY use it for encaustic. A warming plate with a low temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit should still work for your purposes, especially if the wax won't be on the plates for an extended period. :)
@@AboveGroundArtSuppliesToronto Thank you for the quick reply! ☺Much appreciated!
what about oil paint glazes on top of the encaustic?
Hi Jamie,
Yes, you can apply oil paint glazes on top of R&F encaustics. R&F Encaustic paints are a type of wax-based paint, and they can provide a unique and textured surface for your artwork. When using oil paint glazes over encaustics, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Surface Preparation: Make sure that your encaustic surface is clean, dry, and free from any dust or debris. If the encaustic surface has any irregularities, you may want to smooth it out with a heat gun or a hot palette knife.
2. Compatibility: Oil paint and encaustics are generally compatible. Oil paint can adhere well to the wax surface. However, it's important to let your encaustic painting cool and harden completely before applying the oil glaze.
3. Glaze Application: Apply the oil paint glaze thinly and evenly. You can use a soft brush or a rag to apply the glaze. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before applying additional glazes. This helps in achieving the desired transparency and depth.
4. Drying Time: Keep in mind that oil paint takes a longer time to dry compared to other types of paint. Be patient and allow the glazes to dry thoroughly before making any further adjustments or applying subsequent layers.
5. Varnishing: Once your oil paint glazes are completely dry, you can apply a final varnish to protect the artwork. Make sure to choose a varnish that is compatible with both encaustics and oil paints.
6. Experiment: As with any mixed media techniques, it's a good idea to experiment on a small test piece or a separate surface before applying oil glazes to your main encaustic artwork. This will allow you to gauge the results and make any necessary adjustments.
Overall, working with oil paint glazes on top of encaustics can create interesting visual effects and depth in your artwork. Just be patient and experiment to achieve the desired results, and ensure you're using proper safety precautions when working with encaustics, as they involve the use of heat and melted wax.
Would you please share your source for buying wet strength tissue? I'd like to compare it to the silk tissue I used to use. It has become much too expensive and I'm hoping the wet strength tissue will work similarly and be available for a better price. Thanks for a great demo!
Hi Elizabeth. We are so glad you enjoyed the demo! We are not sure about what you are inquiring about, could you please share the time stamp where Dietlind is using a tissue you are looking for?
Wet strength tissue is abaca (paper) tissue. There are lots of different weights and it is relatively inexpensive. You will find it quite easy to buy it from a good art paper retailer. I live in Australia but my cousin in the UK sends me different weights. I guess there must be similar retailers in Northern America and other countries. Silk tissue is a very lightweight silk fabric and yes, it is expensive, wherever you live. Well, it would be cheaper in countries that harvest it but you would have to buy zillions of metres/yards. Hope that is helpful and hope it is correct!
Is that a mat under your panel. I am new to this technique
It is recommended to work on a metal table or a heat resistant surface designed to handle the heat from the flame. Learn about studio setup on R&F's website: www.rfpaints.com/unique-color/2021/1/25/encaustic-basic-studio-setup
To fuse it how hot level should be the heat gun on? Thank you
You will need to experiment, but it is crucial to keep the torch moving at all times. It is a common mistake to leave the torch in an area for too long. www.rfpaints.com/unique-color/2021/4/26/encaustic-using-a-torch
Can you resin a finished encaustic piece
Hi Ana, it is not recommended to resin a finished encaustic piece. Encaustic work can be finished to have a wonderful natural sheen simply by polishing with a soft cloth (microfiber rags and pantyhose work very well) or the palm of your hand. Encaustic naturally has the appearance of a varnished surface, so there really is no need to varnish or seal your painting with additional materials. Using a varnish could also partially dissolve the wax over time so it's best to rely on the natural beauty of wax.
can you use the oven to melt the wax
Hi Marielle! We wouldn't recommend using your oven or stove for encaustic painting. It's better to keep all of your painting and studio supplies separate from where you prepare food. You need to have a heated palette such as a pancake griddle to work on where you can melt and mix paint.😊
What do you mean adding medium to extend the colors . What is the medium thanks
R&F Encaustic paints can be extended or diluted using their own line of encaustic mediums.
These mediums are formulated to maintain the integrity of the encaustic paint while altering its consistency. The Encaustic Medium, for instance, can be added to the paint to make it more translucent or to create glazes. See R&F Mediums here: store.abovegroundartsupplies.com/departments/mediums-%7CA3%7CA3B%7CA3B003.html