
Endless Possibilities: a new take on encaustics


At our most recent New England Wax meeting, we met in the studio of Kay Hartung at Western Ave. Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. She has a beautiful, sunny studio and gave us a demonstration which included creating encaustic pods. Encaustic can be used in many different ways, but Kay’s pods captured my attention. Each one is unique in shape and color. I love the organic forms.

She starts by filling a balloon with cold water and tying it off. Different sizes and shapes are created by tying string (or not) to construct spheres or irregular forms. Using a hangman-type stand she designed for this technique, the top of the balloon is then suspended. Several layers of encaustic medium are applied to the outside of the balloon with a large brush. Wax has an accretive property, as you add layers, the surface becomes more and more textured. Accretion creates a surface that reminds me of lumpy-bumpy gourds.

Once she has built up several layers of wax, Kay pops the balloon and lets the water drain out. She then removes the balloon, leaving an opening on one end. She adds color to the surface by applying metallic-colored pan pastel with a small makeup sponge and fuses it lightly.


The result is so beautiful. I have been working with encaustics for many years now, and continue to be delighted and inspired by its endless possibilities.
Written by Lola Baltzell, a member of New England Wax
Fascinating and so well documented, thanks so much for those of us who could not be present. Kay’s recent explorations of Encaustic that concern the three dimensional possibilities are a delight.
The new studio with huge windows looks perfect after her having to move from her old one.
I always love demo’s after the meeting! Gives us more time to talk and get to know each other! Thank you Kay and Thank you Lola for writing the blog!
I had to leave early and missed the demo. What was the Vaseline used for?
I don’t remember Kay using any Vaseline in the demo, maybe it was just there.
Great to see this process
Sometimes I put Vaseline on the balloon so it releases from the wax a bit easier.
Loved this demo. I use a different technique, but Kay’s is much better, so I will use her method. Thanks, Lola for a gorgeous and beautifully photographed report.