The art of encaustic painting using hot coloured waxes was developed some five thousand years ago and many of the techniques had fallen into disuse. However, it has been revived as a painting medium in recent times and I wish to continue this, develop it and help incorporate it into contemporary art. I have experimented with the media of paint and sculpture which led me to encaustic art, which I think of as ‘sculptural painting’.

Initially, my source material mainly came from my background in science, particularly fossil shapes, but now I am mainly influenced by the rural surroundings in which I live. Land and water formations, the vegetation and skies provide the patterns which I use in my stylized semi-abstract paintings. The nature of the wax can help to capture the immediate essence of an idea.

I like to explore the properties of the wax itself as a painting medium: different effects can be produced by varying the temperature and pressure. The increases in temperature produce not just physical, but chemical effects on the wax. Such changes in its properties produce different layering and translucency allowing for subtle changes in colour and form producing depth and stratification, which give a feeling of shapes within shapes and colours within colours. It also helps to enhance fluidity of organic forms: each time a work is viewed the eye may discern nuances of line, tone and intensity, which create virtual sculptural forms.

Whilst the colours may be vibrant, limiting the palette may enhance the apparent sculptural nature of the work and I think it gives an extra dimension to the painting. I find this an exciting, experimental and creative medium in which the outcome may be a revelation. Extra details are painted on the wax with acrylics. The wax and acrylics bond well together.

The work is painted on box canvas, board or card. The latter are mounted and framed behind glass. All finished work is fixed with a non-yellowing acrylic varnish to provide permanency.

Work is displayed in galleries around the region and at my studio, which is open by appointment. Commissions are welcome.