Encaustic Collection - absorbent paper modern abstract blocks

absorbent papers of all types can be used with molten wax, but the first colour applied will soak into the fibrous structure of the paper and can not be moved around later. overlay is possible of course, but the best approach is to begin with the lightest colours being used. the thinner and harder the paper, then the less absorbency.

in this image of modern abstract blocks, the iron is loaded with some liquid colours, then placed on edge, with the base-plate vertical, so that the colour dribbles down onto the paper. the iron is then pushed slowly forward, keeping the edge pressed well down onto the paper, rather like a bulldozer. a trail of absorbed colour remains behind. the orange splashes were done by sprinkling some small blobs of wax onto the paper before the iron was bulldozed across.

... similar images & more on this approach in Encaustic Art - The Project Book Pages 58 - 59