Back in August I had the opportunity to photograph a friends dog, Pancho. Pancho passed away later in 2020, completely devastating my pal. I completely understand how he felt, going through the loss of a pet is so very painful.

I had the photos of Pancho on my computer and I knew that I wanted to do something with a couple them, something special for my friend. I decided to do a couple of photo-encaustic pieces and to give them to my friend.

The first one I did is a 5x5 inch panel, this would be the test piece. I printed the photo with my newly acquired Epson printer and mounted it on a wood panel that I made a few years ago. So far, so good. Next was the wax.

I’m always a little apprehensive on the first contact of wax to photo. I am cautious, almost rigid in the application of the molten medium. Horizontal strokes, then vertical strokes with little variation. It turned out well and I am pleased with the results, however subtle they may be.

The next one, a larger 8x8 piece, I attempted a few days later. There was something different about this portrait. Being a black and white was one difference, but the feel was different.

Again, I stood looking at the portrait in front of me, apprehensive, contemplative, calm.

I took the brush loaded with encaustic medium in my hand, swirled it in the pan of wax a few times, then bam, there was wax on the print. I felt my hands moving the brush freely over the panel. The rigid up and down, side to side strokes were replace with curves, dabs, blots and sweeps. (at one point I almost set my brush on fire!) I even added marks to the piece and incorporated oil paint in this one.

There was freedom in the brush. I was relaxed. I was happy. I was in the flow. I worked on the piece for almost two hours but it seemed like a flash of a moment. This is the work I need to do.

I met with my friend today to give him the finished products, he had no idea that I had done these. His reaction was surprise, emotional, grateful. He thanked me profusely, but really, his response was thanks enough.

Make something, share it. 

Stay strong, stay safe.

The 5x5 with wax

The 5x5 Pancho gets the wax

8X8 Pancho is next.

Finished 5x5

Finished 5x5

Finished 8x8, with frame

Finished 8x8, with frame

Detail of tool mark

Making sure to not obscure the tag

Detail of corner

side by side