Unlocking Creativity: Mastering the Art of Encaustic Collage

Since selling my branding agency in 2020, I’ve been teaching various encaustic workshops to small, intimate groups of artists in my Carlsbad studio.

Last weekend, I held a master class on encaustic collage. I asked the attendees to bring work in various stages of completion. This turned out to be a great suggestion, as these artists were able to step out of their usual approach and incorporate encaustic, monotype, gelli prints, and other elements into their work.

Many artists have not had experience with encaustic monotypes, a medium that adds a unique and original flavor to collage work. I typically teach a two-day workshop on encaustic monotypes, so I didn’t want to delve deeply into a new technique during a short master class. This experience taught me how to better structure future classes.

Although encaustic monotypes are not the only material used in collage, the focus of this particular class was to integrate original encaustic prints into the attendees’ work. For my next class, I’ll include time for artists to create simple encaustic monotypes and plan how to incorporate those prints into their collages.

The following advanced techniques can help you push the boundaries of traditional encaustic collage, allowing for greater expression and experimentation in your art.

1. Layering and Transparency

  • Thin Layers: Apply multiple thin layers of wax to build depth and create a sense of translucency.
  • Scraping Back: Use tools like a razor blade to scrape back layers, revealing colors and textures beneath.

2. Embedding Objects

  • Natural Materials: Embed objects such as leaves, fabric, or paper into the wax layers for added texture and interest.
  • Found Objects: Incorporate small, lightweight items like beads, threads, or even small metal pieces.

3. Incorporating Mixed Media

  • Acrylic Paints: Use acrylic paint as an underpainting before applying wax for vibrant colors.
  • Inks and Oil Pastels: Enhance your collage with inks or oil pastels, which can be applied directly onto the wax surface and manipulated.

4. Image Transfers

  • Photocopy Transfers: Print a photocopy image, place it face down on the wax, and use a bone folder or similar tool to transfer the image.
  • Inkjet Transfers: Use water-based inkjet prints for more detailed transfers, using a medium like gel medium to help adhere the image.

5. Heat Manipulation

  • Heat Gun: Use a heat gun to manipulate the wax, creating drips, blends, and textured effects.
  • Torching: Carefully use a small torch to fuse and blend layers, creating smooth transitions and effects.

6. Texture Techniques

  • Stenciling: Apply stencils on the surface and paint over with wax to create raised patterns.
  • Stamping: Use rubber stamps or other textured objects to press patterns into the warm wax.

7. Surface Treatments

  • Buffing: Once the wax has cooled, buff the surface with a soft cloth to bring out a natural sheen.
  • Wax Mediums: Experiment with different encaustic mediums to alter the texture and transparency of your layers.

8. Color Play

  • Tinted Wax: Mix pigments or oil paints with your encaustic medium to create custom colors.
  • Gradient Effects: Blend colors directly on the substrate to create gradient effects and smooth transitions.

9. Carving and Incising

  • Detail Work: Use tools like carving knives or dental tools to incise detailed patterns or lines into the wax.
  • Filling: Fill incised lines with contrasting colors of wax to emphasize the carved patterns.

10. Sculptural Elements

  • 3D Effects: Build up layers of wax to create three-dimensional elements within your collage.
  • Molding: Use molds to shape wax elements that can be embedded or attached to your piece.

11. Experiment with Substrates

  • Different Surfaces: Try working on different surfaces such as wood, canvas, or paper to see how they interact with the wax.
  • Textured Bases: Start with a textured base layer, such as gesso with added grit, to add complexity to your piece.

12. Preservation and Finishing

  • Final Coats: Apply a final layer of clear encaustic medium to protect and unify the surface.
  • Varnishing: Consider using a wax-based varnish to seal and protect your finished piece.

It was a jammed-packed two days on teaching and art making. It was wonderful! Thanks for sharing your creativity with me and each other.