Encaustic and Mixed Media/Photography Workshop

“I believe that if you are creating
something that is truly coming from within,
that is your true vision and authentic voice,
then it will speak to other people.”
~ Bridgette Guerzon Mills in The Artist Unique by Carmen Torbus 

An encaustic palette at the end of the day

PerficalSense Studio Workshop Space

This weekend I took a workshop with Bridgette Guerzon Mills at PerficalSense Studio. I’ve admired Bridgette’s work and how she incorporates her photography into her art.

We first were given an overview of various encaustic techniques, which was a lot of fun. Although I learned some of these techniques in 2010, and keep reading about them, I have not experimented enough with them.

Workshops are a good way to shake up one’s habits and be more daring.

Technique play board by Maike’s Marvels

Bridgette’s demonstration board

After some play we were shown how to do an image transfer. I had a happy accident when preparing my next board. While trying to figure out how to turn off the heat gun the heat created the “burst” in the middle of the boad.

In spite of reading various step-by-step book instructions I had not done a photo transfer yet. It was fun to watch the demo and then try it myself. The wet transfer process is so simple and once I got started I was eager to try more.

Wet transfer technique by Maike’s Marvels

After that we embedded images and collage materials, something I am more familiar with. Even here, I learned of new materials to try and am looking forward to recycling tea bags in my next project.

Embedding technique by Maike’s Marvels

Then Bridgette demonstrated a pour technique, which was entirely new to me. It felt like a good way to try embedding twigs, although the image is still more murky than hoped for. We will see if this ‘clears up’ and if not, I can always try again.

The pouring technique with embedded twigs

It was fun to see how the demo board evolved.

Bridgette’s demo board after embedding

We enjoyed admiring each other’s work at the end of class.

We lingered a bit to chat about the neighborhood, the artistic community and future events while having some wine.

Our pieces at the end of class

Bridgette is this month’s FUSEDChicago featured Artist, and you can read more about her start in encaustics here. Having a love for nature, photography and books in common is such a nice affirmation of why I am drawn to Bridgette’s work.

Phases of Encaustic Paintings by Bridgette Guerzon Mills

A few new works were up on the Meditations: Looking In, Reflecting Out exhibit wall (through March 24) to replace those that sold.

Born of Earth and Bone by Bridgette Guerzon Mills

Having played with new colors, I took advantage of Dick Blick’s 20% off sale (and said hello to Sassy Aphrodite, up until March 18) to add to my own palette. I look forward to practicing the new techniques in my next project.

“Encaustic is just a perfect partner for mixed media.”
~ Bridgette Guerzon Mills