TECHNIQUES of Encaustic Art    Return to HOME PAGE of www.encaustic,com     Visit one of our sponsor sites   
Iron, Stylus & Hobby Crafts Methods Assemble a mini hotplate using the encaustic painting iron Hotplate Techniques Zone Hot Air Methods Zone Finer Art Approaches for Encaustic work
DEVELOPMENT
IRON & STYLUS
IRON AS
HOTPLATE
HOTPLATE WORK
HOT AIR WORK
ARTISTIC
WORK
ONLINE PROJECTS
Abstract Pattern Making using the iron ...
Patterned Abstract - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom

Patterns are repeated markings and require a degree of skill - in fact the ability to repeat a mark at will can be seen as one of the key skills of artwork - numbers and writing are also examples of marks we learn to repeat.

The value of this pattern exercise is that anyone can learn to repeat certain strokes. As you practice these marks your skills and ability are developed and some nice artwork is produced too!
Load the iron - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom Turn the iron upside down with your holding hand resting comfortably on the table surface to help keep the baseplate level and steady. Load the iron with 3 bands of colour - here I used , and
spread the wax colours onto the painting card - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom Next smooth the wax lightly onto the card surface so that it is completely covered by the colours. TIP on how to ensure the wax covers all the card's surface
The "wriggle" stroke - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom miniclip of the wriggle stroke Now start making repetitive pattern markings.
The "wriggle" stroke is an easy one where the tip of the iron is wriggled about 2cm (1 inch) from side to side as the irons is slowly moved backwards and down the wax covered card - click the action button to see.
Lift and stamp with the iron - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom The "lift" stamping stroke is where the iron is lifted off the waxed card, moved about 1cm (half and inch) then placed back on the card again and lifted off. This action / motion / movement is repeated until the iron is no longer landing on the card!
The "rattle" movement - a video miniclip miniclip of the "rattle" movement

The "rattle" is a harder stroke to explain and execute and will take some practice to get the wrist action loose and active enough - it is a pretty wild movement really.

Take a look at the action miniclip first...
rattle 1 ...rock the iron onto the left curved edge... Basically, in the rattle movement the iron is rocked strongly from one side curved edge onto the other, using the point as the fulcrum or pivot. The pressure on the point has to be quite strong and firm but the rocking has to be done with a loose and almost "manic" approach.
rattle 2 - ...then over onto the right curved edge... ...rocking onto the left curved edge of the iron, then using the point as the pivot....
rattle 3 - then back to the left edge again... ....rocking over onto the left curved edge of the iron - all this is done in quick repetition so that the series of rocking actions become a rattle movement.
The "shuffle" action - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom In the "shuffle" the iron is shunted backwards and forwards in short 1cm (half inch) movements and the iron gradually travels down the card, leaving a trail of shuffle marks behind.
patterned abstract in landscpae format - an encaustic art project shown on the "Learn the SKills Video" by Michael Bossom The final piece can be viewed either in landscape format...
Patterned abstract in portrait format

..or presented in a portrait aspect.

Practice of these patterned abstracts will help you develop skills and the results are often very pleasing. If you find that the colours are overmixed or that you would like to add just a touch of fresh and stronger colour to your patterned card then try this TIP on crayoning in colour
        GO TO Go to the index for encaustic art products OVERVIEW
Arts Encaustic Ltd, Glogue, Pembrokeshire SA36 0ED UK
  Tel: +44 (0)1239 831401               info@encaustic.com