Hazy Sunset

"Hazy Sunset"

Image size 9" x 12"

Encaustic

I was experimenting with a wax that is supposed to crack.  I thought that would give the painting a really nice effect.  I could fill the cracks with a different color to really make them a focal point of the painting.  

The first layer of the crack wax gave me two very small cracks.  The instructions said to put a good base layer of other wax before adding the crack wax.  I thought I did that, but maybe it wasn't enough.

So...I added oil paint to fill the small cracks and added more wax, an encaustic burn and finally, another layer of the crack wax.  This time, I got no cracks, but it did give and interesting texture to the surface.

I noticed that this wax melts at a higher temperature than the wax that I usually use, so maybe that had something to do with my results.

It was a fun experiment, but I will probably stick with my usual encaustic supplies.  Of course, I will use the rest of what I have so you will probably see another experiment in the future.  I will call the company and see if I am doing something wrong.