Shine*Breathe*Love: Francesca Saveri

Encaustic Masters: Inspirational Voices

I just returned from Portland, Oregon where I attended my first retreat and conference with the Internation Encaustic Association (IEA).  Exceptional!  I am still digesting and processing all that I learned from these talented, supportive and encouraging artists. 

In addition to the retreat the IEA held an international juried masters Gallery Show- Encaustic Masters: Inspirational Voices.  My paintings Too Many Dreams (right) and June Moon (below) were selected for the juried show and are currently being exhibited at the Columbia River Gallery .

The jurors were:

• Jerry Gay, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and artist

• Gavin Shettler, Creative Director of Milepost 5, artist community & gallery

• Lee Weinstein, Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Alliance

 

More than 100 artists and 425 images entered from around the world.  The first reception was held September 22, 2011 and the second reception on October 7th, 2011 is part of Troutdale's First Friday Art Walk.  An article about the gallery, encaustic art and the show can be found here.

 

The show will run from September 22, 2011 through October 12, 2011.

Columbia River Gallery

305 E. Columbia River Hwy. •

Troutdale, OR • 503 491-8407

 

You can find more of my paintings at Francesca Saveri: Constructions of Love.

WOW: Wax on Wildcat

Wax on Wildcat (WOW)

Learnings & Lists

In my first solid year of encaustic painting I have made many blunders and have hit upon numerous "AHA" moments.  Oddly, these learnings operate together and not too distantly.  I often have to get into the creative panic mode where I start the doubting and numbing self criticism.  "Breathe," I murmur to sleeping dogs.  And then the Muse listens and gives me a helping hand.  I leave my head behind and trust the heart to guide the creation.  My eyes could be closed at this point.  Internal senses are at work and Joy is the operator.

What I have learned so far:

1.  Be patient

2.  Level your table

3.  Make color swatches

4.  Give the dogs a chew toy

5.  Work on more than one piece at a time

6.  Have an encaustic buddy

7.  Be patient

 

Reading List:

The War of Art:  Presfield