Since 2000, when Tanya shifted from an 18-year career in art direction and graphic design to the life of a full-time fine artist, she’s been well-received by arts and design media. Her paintings have been featured by amazing designers and can be viewed on interior design television shows and in design magazines.
Depth and texture. Complexity and nuance. These are the wonders which come from the working through layers and the drawing out of details and moments. The overlaps and mixtures of wax, pigment, and objets trouvés provide dimension and possibility. The surfaces are almost terrestrial, with ideas that bubble below and wait to be drawn up into the light. Textural substrates create a world into which these ideas emerge and upon which they can grow. And from this confluence, there is both an actual, and a perceived delicacy in the balance that affords great moments and ongoing challenges to both the artist and the viewer.
A technique as old as recorded time, brought forward with modern adaptations, creates opportunity for dynamic landscapes, emotive sculpture, and wistful remembrance. An art form drawn from the cradle of civilization, renewed by time, to transform and illuminate touchstone moments which are, in themselves, timeless.
Caring for your painting?
It is best to keep out of direct and constant sun light and at room temperature. Keep in mind that this rule should apply to all artwork, to avoid fading of the pigment. Avoid freezing below 35ºC and extremely hot temperatures above 120-130ºF. The wax paints can melt and run at temperatures over 185º-200ºF (65ºC), but wax may soften above 100ºF and can dent with pressure applied. If you plan on hanging your painting above a fireplace you need to test the area first. Place a thermometer on the mantle, and turn on the heat. If the heat raises above 120ºF, find a new home for your painting to avoid any potential issues. Do not leave encaustics in your vehicle or car trunk on a hot day. Also, glass can create a greenhouse effect when directly in the sun's path.
Encaustic paintings, with tree sap resin added, will cure and harden after about 6 months. My paintings are usually a combination of microcrystalline wax, beeswax and damar resin to ensure the best long-term results and durability. That result generally is a hard, non-sticky surface that can be wiped.
You should not touch the surface (of any artwork) with your fingertips. Acid in the oils in your fingertips can break down paint molecules over time. Wax paintings can be scratched or dented with very sharp items, pack well when shipping.
Framing behind glass is acceptable if hung away from constant and direct sunlight that has a duration of more than several hours. Framing under glass can cause extreme heat situations when placed in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Only artwork on paper needs to framed under glass, this will protect the paper which is easily damaged.
To dust (if required); use a large, SOFT, lint free cloth or duster, and work from the top down gently. It is always best to wait until a painting is cured to ensure firmness of the wax. When the painting is recently finished, it has not had time to completely harden. Once cured, wax with resin sheds dust and dirt more readily and dusting may not be necessary at all.
Store in a cool, dark, dry space. If shipping, crate heavily, use a protective wrap and if required, tape “glass” (or replace with acrylic glazing). Do not use paper wrap and do not ship in “extremely” hot weather, especially via ground delivery.
Creations Art Gallery & Framing Studio
436 Wilson St. E., Ancaster, ON., Canada L9G 2C3
Phone: 905 648-6199 www.Creations-Gallery.com
