Encaustic Collection - diagonal abstract on absorbent paper

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 where a diagonal direction of line dominates the composition the orange splashes were applied first by splashing some small blobs of wax onto the paper by flicking the stylus or iron. the iron is then loaded with some liquid colours & placed on edge, with the base-plate vertical, so that the colour dribbles down onto the paper. the iron is pushed slowly forward, keeping the lower edge pressed well down onto the paper, rather like a bulldozer. a trail of absorbed colour remains behind. the orange spots remain because they were the first colour in that place.

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