Mixed Media

For years  my photography was documentary. The most I explored were different shutter speed or aperture settings. Eventually I wanted to push my photographic limits by using IR or learning Photoshop. Several years ago I took a  workshop on photographic transfer, which included using novel papers, toning papers, and my own painted backgrounds. These were all manual rather than using digital manipulations.

I took a fun workshop with Dan Burkholder on using precious metals on inkjet photo  prints. It was a refreshing mix of optimizing prints with photoshop and then using the craft of applying pure gold leaf, platinum, palladium or copper to the print.

Elizabeth Opalenik introduced me to hand coloring prints.

What really appeals to me is learning Photo Wax Encaustic with Leah MacDonald.

This is a challenging process, which involves embellishing photographs with layers of beewax, colored wax, oil pigments, and pastels. This new skill of drawing or painting is difficult for me as is color mixing.  This is a combination of weaving the photographic skills I already have with new painting techniques,  as well as taming the unpredictability of hot wax.  I call it “opening up” a photograph.  And, I love it.

Peggy Doig   Essence-Studio.com

Dan Burkholder   DanBurkholder.com

Elizabeth Opalenik   ElizabethOpalenik.com

Leah MacDonald   Leah-Macdonald.com