Embracing Encaustic: Learning to Paint with Beeswax [Paperback]

Linda Womack (Author), William Womack (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2008

Encaustic is the art of painting with molten beeswax, mixed with colored pigments and resin. The results are like no other medium--mysterious, deep, and translucent, with a glow that seems to emanate from within. It's an ancient technique that has recently been reborn, capturing the imagination of a new generation of painters who are adopting encaustic as their medium of choice.

Embracing Encaustic will teach you how to paint with this fascinating medium using simple step-by-step instructions accompanied by full color photographs.

Inside, you will find:

- An overview of the tools and supplies you ll need to get started

- Detailed instructions for mixing your own encaustic paint

- The basic techniques you'll need to create an infinite number of unique styles

- A gallery of work by notable encaustic painters, with information on how they created each piece

- More than 90 full color photographs illustrating detailed techniques, tips, tricks, and examples of contemporary encaustic paintings

- A directory of material suppliers

For beginners and experienced encaustic artists alike, the book offers another gem a rare peek behind the curtain. The gallery section features the work of twenty-five notable painters who spill their secrets, describing in detail how they created the works on display. It s the next best thing to watching over their shoulders as they work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

You really knocked my socks off! The paintings in your book are beautiful and above all there is clarity. You don't leave out basic information that can leave the reader stymied. It was the bane of my search to find a book that wrote clearly HOW to do this, but you have succeeded. The color and richness of the pictures not only illustrate the points but they inspire! BRAVO. --Claribel C., California

You can think of the book Embracing Encaustic: Learning to Paint with Beeswax, by Linda and Bill Womack as The Ashley Twins meet Dick and Jane. Bright, simple, light and inviting it s a perfect starter book for anyone who is first exploring wax techniques. Each reader will get the feeling that the authors are speaking directly to them. Since a lot of what we do in life is learned by watching and imitating others, their straightforward approach gives us permission to try a range of materials and techniques. If there s a message to this upbeat book, it s you can do it. The photos are especially helpful. Both the how to series and the images of Linda's work say do try this at home. Basic painting techniques, working with masks, incising lines, using stencils, mixing medium and making your own paint are all covered along with tips for easy use, resources for materials, and a history of the art. --- Gail Steinberg, Former President of the International Encaustic Artists

Congratulations on the publication of your wonderful book! I am so impressed and well, just wowed, by all the information you've included and by the breathtaking art examples. I feel a little humbled realizing that I have just begun to tap the possibilities of encaustic, but also very, very inspired! Congratulations on a gorgeous book and thanks for sharing your information, knowledge, and vision! --Serena B., Oregon

About the Author

Linda Womack is a nationally recognized artist, art instructor and the author of Embracing Encaustic: Learning to Paint with Beeswax. She is often a featured speaker and instructor at the International Encaustic Conference and her work has been published in American Art Collector, Encaustic with a Textile Sensibility and the forthcoming book Plaster Studio: Mixed-Media Techniques for Painting, Casting and Carving. William Womack, is a writer and designer. He is currently penning his second novel, Last Thursday, a tale of murder and intrigue set against the backdrop of the Portland arts scene.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Hive Publishing; Second edition (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981677428
• ISBN-13: 978-0981677422
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #379,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, July 3, 2008

By 

Kara L. Mcfall (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Embracing Encaustic: Learning to Paint with Beeswax (Paperback)

This book is really well done, especially for someone like me who needs detailed instruction! The book provides both step-by-step instructions and photos that show you exactly what to do. I have limited experience with the encaustic medium and found this book provided me with the directions to do a project on my own -- super helpful.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great starter book, July 8, 2008

By 

N. Hyon - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Embracing Encaustic: Learning to Paint with Beeswax (Paperback)

On the back cover of the recently released, 2nd edition of "Embracing Encaustic-Learning to Paint with Beeswax by Linda and William Womack is the descriptive "the quick start guide to painting with wax". That perfectly describes this user friendly book with many color photographs enhancing easy to follow instructions for 6 basic encaustic techniques. There is an illustrated gallery where artists describe their own work using more advanced techniques as well as a short history of the medium and a resource listing. Readers can go to Linda's website for further information. Although the section on making paint lists safety concerns, I would like to see more information on the safety issues while painting-especially correct temperature levels while working with encaustics.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars worth the price, August 25, 2008

By 

Candace Shepard (Colorado) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Embracing Encaustic: Learning to Paint with Beeswax (Paperback)

This is a good addition to any "art process" library. Simply written and well illustrated, the book is in a size and format that is easy to use while working. It is concise and informative - with great resource links.