While threading the twine through the copper balls late yesterday afternoon I bumped one – hard, I cracked the wax supporting it near the base which meant it was no longer embedded firmly.
I was furious with myself and walked away to calm down, when suddenly the solution for how to mend it came to me. Wanting to get it sorted out straight away, I took a deep breath and headed back into the studio, I should have just stayed away…
Heating the substrate from below was a good idea, but it required more delicacy and patience than I had to give at the end of the day. Now I have a smooth puddle in my lovely textureL.
I don’t think it is reparable; I am going to try, this morning while I am feeling fresh, but I think I am going to have to end up melting the whole painting off and starting again. It is one of the beauties of encaustics that I can do that, but it’s so sad as I really loved the texture in this piece and I was ready for it to be finished so I could move onto the next piece that is on my mind.
I suppose these days happen to make us appreciate the days when everything goes right…
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oh dear, working with wax can be so delicate and temperamental, in one split second can undo hrs of work, especially while using the heat gun. It will be a shame for you to melt this piece,have you considered waiting a day or two and thinking it over, there may be a way to replicate the texture that you have not considered.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fascinating process... I've only used wax to seal pieces, so I'm not very familiar.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had a tough day in the studio (that I am too familiar with).
On a positive note, your photo is gorgeous - it reminds me of a sunny day at the beach.
xo
Kristin
Oh my - one of *those* days in the studio :( ... I know that feeling!
ReplyDeleteAs much as it's easy for me to say on a good day, it's often the HUGE muck-ups that have informed my artworks positively for many months to come.
Also, the artworks I've struggled with most usually end up becmoing my favourites once they're finally complete (after a period of time - when I stop being reminded of the previous 'mistakes' when I look at it!)
I agree with Tracey - sometimes waiting a little while away from it can help you return with a fresh mind and heart.
All the very best with it sunshine x