Simone Weldon is a self-taught artist who focuses on creating abstract encaustic art using beeswax, damar resin,
and pigment fused together with a fired torch.
Having grown up near rivers and lakes in Germany and currently residing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Simone draws
inspiration from the proximity to water, often evident in her artwork.
Encaustic art is a passion which continues to drive her to create in her Art Studio, using her torch, continously
growing and evolving as an artist.
Encaustic painting involves layering melted beeswax, damar resin, and pigment on wooden panels. I use fire to fuse each layer, allowing the wax to cool and harden, resulting in a unique surface. The texture of beeswax and damar resin is rich and buttery, and the truly mesmerizing effect occurs when the wax melts and blends with the pigments. Working with encaustic challenges me, and requires a balance between control and spontaneity, embracing unexpected surprises that arise during the process. I hope the end result with its depth, takes viewers on a journey through each layer of wax and showcase what makes each piece special. The possibilities of this medium constantly amaze me, and I feel fortunate to create art that celebrates its beauty and organic nature.
~Simone Weldon
Encaustic painting is an ancient technique, dating back to the Greeks, who used wax to caulk ship hulls. The word
"encaustic" is derived from the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to burn in." Encaustic consists of natural bees
wax and damar resin (crystallized tree sap). The medium can be used alone for its transparency or adhesive qualities
or used pigmented. It is melted and applied with a brush or any tool the artist wishes to create from. Each layer is
then reheated to fuse it to the previous layer. The durability of encaustic is due to the fact that beeswax is impervious
to moisture. Because of this, it will not deteriorate. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by
glass. It will not yellow, darken or mold. It is the most durable of all paints.
Treat it as any fine Art
1. Keep out of direct sunlight
2. Avoid freezing and extremely hot temperatures. Wax will melt at 150 F/65 C
3. Encaustic can crack when dropped. When transporting, cover the face and edges with flat side of bubble wrap or
foam packing sheets (nothing that leaves imprints).
4. Wax takes about 12 months to cure and does not need to be protected with varnish or glass. It is a natural product and during this time
it may develop bloom, which is a naturally occurring hazy white residue. It can be easily removed by gently buffing the surface of the
painting with a soft lint-free cloth (T-shirt or pantyhose). If the original sheen has become dull over time, it can be brought back by
repeating the buffing process.
