Dog Days…

It is HOT!! Even in those places where us Floridians go to escape the heat, it’s all a wet sweltering blanket! My studio in our temporary house is in the garage, so I have been reluctant to turn on my heated palette. I’ve been trying to find alternative ways to stay creative and in the process, have rediscovered my Pan Pastels. It’s a great product, especially for encaustic, as it can be used both under and on top of the wax. It’s basically crushed up soft pastel that has been pressed into a flat round container. Each set comes with a variety of application tools (they look a lot like foam makeup applicators). You can also just crush up some soft pastels and make your own version of Pan Pastel. I would avoid drawing with the soft pastels directly on the wax, as you can gouge into the wax (unless that’s the look you’re going for!) and/or get wax on your soft pastels.

For me, summer also means a slow down in exhibitions. During this time of year I like to regroup, tackle some of those projects or experiments I’ve put off all year, or just put my feet up and do nothing! I just finished up a NAWAFL group exhibition at the gorgeous Naples Botanical Gardens. It was an amazing setting and a very strong show with many super talented women. A little closer to the Tampa Bay area, I am honored to be a part of the Made@TMA exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art in August. The opening reception will be on August 16, from 1p to 3p. I would love to see you there!

Stay cool!