Nautical Encaustic Painting- Adding Paper and Other Elements

I’ve been focused on a lot of things lately- looking for houses, visits with family and trips out of town, etc. There’s a lot going on, and it’s funny how those things can inspire in random and unexpected ways.  For example, I’ve been scouring pinterest, looking for nautical color schemes and decor I can use when we finally make a decision and move in to a new home.  It’s been really fun to find things I like and could use in our new home to make it beautiful and unique.  Those ideas have spilled over into this new nautical encaustic piece.

I’m not sure what it is about compasses and maps that is so fascinating to me, but making an abstract compass with wax, some tissue paper and of course, my signature quilled paper pieces was a pretty easy jump after seeing all the amazing nautical themed art and decor.

I used thin layers of oil paint to add the blue color, and fused it with the wax.  I love the swirls of blue and white.  On the right side, I heated it enough to spread the paint and wax, showing a bit of the wood underneath.  Encaustic really is a medium unlike any other.