24×36″ Western Art in Encaustic Wax on Wood Panel.
ABOUT THIS WESTERN ART
This was above and beyond the largest challenge I’ve accepted to date. My husband and I got really into Yellowstone and 1886, and he really wanted some cowboys so I set out on a journey to figure it out and find some good references. My husband’s family once owned a print of G. Harvey “When Cowboys Don’t Change” and I remember how amazing that print was. I wanted this to feel like that in some way. I’m not much for painting very detailed backgrounds, either, but this one needed it in order to get the right effect. I’m happy with the outcome, and honestly, shocked that it worked out.
Artist Statement
I love to paint horses and I love the challenge of painting horses in Encaustic Wax. For this horse painting, I use traditional painting methods, this is not a photo encaustic, this is 100% drawn one stroke of wax at a time. I enjoy the challenge of painting with as much realism as I can with this tricky and frustrating medium. I use traditional brushes as well as a hot stylus which allows me to draw very fine lines of hot wax as you would with a quill or fountain pen. This ability for detail allows me to draw the faces with a great amount of detail and life.
I love to mix a lot of colors and make it rich. Encaustic paintings are notoriously difficult to photograph and are infinitely more breathtaking in person. Please take the time to watch the below video where you can better see the details up close. Wax paintings have a polish and depth of texture to them and are some of the most archival and long-lasting paintings in history, some dating as far back at 5000BC.
Growing up I rode horses every day and owned a rescued wild Mustang. I rode dressage, jumpers, and even western. I have a deep love for wild horses and wish to see them remain healthy and free, whenever possible. If freedom isn’t an option, as I know starvation and climate change are a real thing, then at the very least well-loved as I did with my pony. I commend the efforts of those out saving these horses and preserving their habitats.