Encaustic Demo Large Figurative Encaustic

This is the current 36"x24" encaustic painting I am working on. The propane torch is the main tool I use to fuse each new layer of pigmented beeswax to the underneath layer.  The molten, pigmented beeswax is applied with bristle paintbrushes, followed by the fusing of the wax with the torch.  At this stage the painting is about 50% completed and has some 15 layers of wax.   -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

Vertical Encaustic Still Life Gold Frame, Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

Still life and floral paintings are experimental for me.  This encaustic painting is 24"x12" (unframed).  I intentionally chose a new subject matter, since I usually paint the figure and sometimes landscape, but almost never still life.  

On another subject, thank you Katherine van Schoonhoven for passing to me the Liebster Blog Award which originated in Germany and recognizes bloggers who have less than 200 followers.  Katherine is an artist, writer, and musician, see her blog at www.katherine-artandmusic.blogspot.com.  Thanks for the honor, Katherine.     -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

"Until You Know" 30"x30" Encaustic Portrait-Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

This is an example of thinking a painting was done and then a few days later realizing I simply had to make changes to it.  This is the final 30"x30" encaustic painting and now I accept it as completed.  This is Rose, and the painting is still entitled, "Until You Know."   The melting wax under the propane torch makes facial features a special challenge.  -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

Large 36"x24" Encaustic Figurative Painting, Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

"Each Afternoon" is a 36"x24" encaustic painting.  I'm working large to be ready for upcoming venues where larger encaustic works are needed.  There is a lot of beeswax in a painting of this size, and approximately 25-30 layers of molten, pigmented beeswax. I will  appreciate your comments on this one, since it is the largest figurative encaustic I have painted to date.   -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

Encaustic Figurative Painting, artist Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

"Ruby" is a 12"x12" encaustic painting.  This is the last painting I'll do for a while of women with arms raised.  I plan to keep Ruby for some time since she makes me feel happy.  Isn't it funny how subjective art is?  Today I submitted 3 paintings to a show and Ruby was one of them, but out of the 3 paintings the other 2 were selected and Ruby was not, even though she was my favorite of the three.  She had a different title, so now that I have her back I've named her Ruby.  -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

"Expectation", Young woman painted in encaustic

"Expectation" is a 7"x5" encaustic painting, painted with molten, pigmented beeswax. Today, 9/11, has painful memories for many; I like thinking about new life and hope, so I enjoy this painting of "Expectation."  I've been asked by several to include prices on my posts so I'll do that from time to time on smaller pieces such as this one. This painting is $175 including the frame, plus shipping and handling $10.  -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

Landscape Encaustics 12"x12" Framed

This is a new series of 2 Encaustic (molten, pigmented beeswax) contemporary landscape paintings.  Each is 12"x12" unframed, and 18"x18" framed. These 2 paintings are on display at the Oregon Society of Artists during this month of September 2011. -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

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Figurative Plein Air

Jennifer is a favorite model.  I painted this 30"x15" oil painting of her yesterday in an outdoor garden setting.  Another painting I did this week of a different model, in the same style as this painting, is posted on my Facebook page.  -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

2011 City of Hillsboro Plein Air Event

The City of Hillsboro Plein Air Event ended today with a reception and award ceremony at the Walters Cultural Arts Center.  My oil painting won 2nd Place in the Landscape division; it was painted at Jackson Bottom Wetlands.  It was a good event and weather conditions were near perfect most of the time.  About 40 artists participated.  Many of us knew each other and I want to thank those who walked by me as I was painting, and offered words of encouragement.  There were 3 painting categories:  Landscape, Cityscape, and a Quick Draw Figurative, and all of the submitted paintings were excellent.  Kitty Wallis, in the photo with me, was the judge.  As many of you know she is a nationally recognized artist and the creator of Wallis art paper. -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel  SOLD

"In the Garden" Figurative Impressionistic Oil Painting Prints Available

                         

In April I was one of 30 artists participating in An Artist a Day event at the Muse Art and Design in Portland, Oregon.  A different artist painted in the front window of the store each day of the month.  In May a reception was held at Milepost 5, and the 30 paintings were auctioned, with 50% of the proceeds donated to benefit Schoolhouse Supplies.

This particular painting was well received; 8"x10" prints are now available for $30 each including shipping (10% of sales is donated to local animal rescue groups.) The print is on luster paper which has a satin finish, and is sprayed with UV blocking spray to prevent fading. This print is vibrant with a wide off-white or white mat under glass in a standard sized 16" x 20" frame.  The print may be purchased below through Paypal. -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel  (original SOLD)

Oil Portrait Live Model

Painting from the live model sharpens an artist's eyesight so I try to do it once or twice a week.  It helps my artistic eye even though portrait painting is not what I primarily do. This is a recent 18"x24" two hour oil portrait I did using Craig Srebnik's limited pallete,  primarily umbers, burnt sienna, Indian red (or similar), black, white, and in this case some cadmium yellow for the model's sweater.  -JAS

Small Figurative Encaustic Series Classic Women

These are the latest 9"x9" encaustic paintings I've completed, fitting these smaller ones in between larger paintings that are in process.  Redheads are clearly one of my favorite subjects to paint. -Janet Amundson Splidsboel

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"Sara" Live Model Figurative Oil Sketch

Sara was our model at last Sunday's Candlelight Wine Cheese Live Model art session at my studio in close-in NE Portland.  This is a 24"x12" oil sketch which I painted of her.  Being an artist herself, Sara instinctively knew how to inspire us with her hairdo, clothing, and pose. If you are interested in more information about these Candlelight sessions, scroll further down in this blog to see a short video of an earlier session.  The Candlelight group meets one Sunday evening a month from 5-8 PM and is open to any artist who signs up early enough to get a spot since the sessions do fill up in advance. -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel

"Rose Bouquet" Contemporary Encaustic Figurative

"Rose Bouquet" is a 12"x24" Encaustic painting.  I painted this encaustic earlier this year.  I've never done much with it, she just hangs on my wall and I look at her often.  People who have seen "Rose Bouquet" don't carry on about it, but I especially like Rose and plan to keep her myself, at least for a while longer.

"All the Fields" Oil Landscape

Spring is around the corner and I am thinking often about plein air painting.  I painted this landscape in anticipation of painting outdoors, hopefully soon.  I'll divide my time between encaustic painting indoors and plein air painting in oil, and divide my subject matter between figurative and landscape.  This oil painting is 24"x42". -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel     SOLD

"Almost Here" Small Classic Encaustic Figurative

This is a 6"x6" encaustic painting, one of a series of eight.  Lately I've been concentrating on much larger wax paintings and when I need a break I like painting one of these smaller pieces. -JAS

2 Hour Live Model Figurative Oil Painting Redhead

Instead of an encaustic painting, for something different this post is a 2 hour 20"x16" oil painting I did during one of the Candlelight Wine Cheese Live Model sessions held at my studio in Portland.  To see a short video of one of these Candlelight sessions scroll down through my posts and you can view a video of one of the sessions.  These live model events are quite fun for the artists who attend.  We paint or draw from the model for 25 minute sessions with 10 minute breaks between.  We bring snacks to share during the breaks while we visit with one another, and we time our sessions and breaks so we stay focused. Candles around the room provide ambiance and our great models provide the inspiration.

"Encaustic Still Life" Floral Oriental Impression

This encaustic still life is 18"x30" framed; it is the first still life I have done painting with molten, pigmented beeswax.  Celeste Bergin of the Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters presented a challenge to artists in the month of January and this painting is my response to  that challenge.  Three photos were given as inspiration: animal; building; and still life.  On February 1, 2011,  all paintings submitted in response to the challenge will be posted,  http://behindthescenes-ppasp.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-challenge-results.html.  My daughter has asked for this painting so it will eventually hang above her piano. -JAS

"Isabel" Encaustic Classic Figurative Woman

"Isabel" is a 12"x12" Encaustic painting, the second in a series of women in similar poses.  This painting is currently hanging at the Oregon Society of Artists in Portland, Oregon, 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, 97205 (on the NE corner of St. Clair & Park Place).  In addition to other paintings I'm working on, my goal for the next month or so is to complete one encaustic painting each week, 12"x12" or larger. -JAS

"Olivia" Oil Figurative Quick Sketch

"Olivia" is a 24"x18" oil painting.  I painted her loosely and quickly from my imagination, which was relaxing to me after working more intensely on encaustic paintings in recent months.  She is colorful and bright, a good mood for beginning a New Year.  She is framed in a wide gold frame and is now for sale at HooDoo Antiques at 122 NW Couch in downtown Portland. Six more of my landscape oil paintings are also on display at that same location. -JAS

"Madella" Large Encaustic Figurative Classic Redhead

"Madella" is a 24"x24" encaustic portrait I completed today.  I am currently trying to convey women who are timeless in appearance.  My current encaustic figurative paintings are larger and include the hands in order to give me practice.  It is a challenge to do the face and hand details in wax using the propane torch and I remain determined. I am doing more encaustics than oil paintings these days, but soon I plan to take a break and do a series of oil paintings.

"Getting Ready" Series #1 Scarlet Encaustic Figurative Classic Woman

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This encaustic painting is 12"x12" plus the frame.  I've been working on a series of women "getting ready".  I don't know what they are getting ready for,  but that doesn't matter.  They are lovely, timeless women.  Scarlet is painted with molten, pigmented beeswax. This painting won a Recognition Award at the 2011 national spring exhibition in Springfield, Oregon. -JAS

Encaustic Face Study

This is a 14"x14" Encaustic with many layers and colors of wax.  I wanted to experiment with many warm and cool colors of wax within a portrait.

Pastel Figurative Live Model Sketch

This is not an oil or encaustic but rather is a 30 minute pastel sketch I did at the Canvas cafe last Monday evening.  The Canvas in northwest Portland has live models each Monday evening from 6-8 PM.  There is one 15 minute and two 30 minute different poses.  All artists are welcome.  It's asked that each person spend $5.00 for food or drink but there is no charge for the model session.

Encaustic Small Figurative Redhead

This is one of four 6"x6" encaustic paintings currently hanging at the Oregon Society of Artists show.  These have all sold but I'm working on more.  I paint lots of red-headed women.  Also brunettes, but mostly redheads and hardly ever blondes.  I have absolutely no idea why, I just start painting and that's what happens. SOLD

"Quin" Live Model Oil Portrait

This is a quick 12"x16" oil study done of Quin Sweetman who was our model at a recent Wednesday session of artists who paint on Wednesday afternoons at Jantzen Beach Mall in Portland.  Quin is an artist known by many of you.  She has a website and Etsy store which you can visit.  As you see she is also a terrific model. I see that I forgot to sign my painting.  The Wednesday group is open to all artists and is free unless we have a paid model and then it is $5.00 for 2 sessions.  The other 2 sessions of the month we paint/draw each other.  Contact me if you want more detailed information.

"Here and Now" Live Model Oil Figurative Classic Woman

This painting is a 14"x14" Oil on board. It is based on live model drawings when I usually put a hat on the model. I added a historic look to the clothing but she remains a modern woman.

"She Did Observe" Encaustic Figurative Redhead

This 10"x10" Encaustic is on display during the month of November 2010 at Art Media in downtown Portland as part of their 100 Artists 10x10 Artworks $100 or Less exhibition. SOLD

"Serendipity II"

This encaustic in the Serendipity series is 20"x16". -Janet Amundson-Splidsboel  SOLD

"Serendipity III" Encaustic Portrait Figurative Redhead

This is an 18"x18" encaustic on board. The woman is from my imagination and the greenish floral pattern in the background is based on drawings from the ancient Minoan culture. -JAS  SOLD

Hillsboro Plein Air Event July 17, 2010

My 24"x18" oil painting won First Place in the figurative category at the Hillsboro Plein Air event. The judge was Thomas Kitts.

"Timeless Visit" Plein Air Oil Painting in Progress

This is a close-up of my 24"x18" oil painting in progress during the Hillsboro Plein Air event on July 17, 2010.

Candlelight, Wine, Cheese Live Model Art Group in Portland, Oregon

This Candlelight, Wine, Cheese Live Model Art session takes place once or twice a month, 5-8 PM, at Janet Amundson-Splidsboel's studio in NE Portland.

Live Model Art Session in Portland, Oregon

Many of my paintings are based on sketches I do
when attending live model art sessions. One of the
sessions I attend is the one in this video, in the
Park Room next to the Carousel at Jantzen Beach Mall
in Portland, Oregon. My pastel painting is the one
at the easel where no one is sitting, since I was
taking the video. I also host a live model art session
in my own studio once or twice a month, called the
Candlelight, Wine, Cheese Live Model Group.

"Scarlet" Large Oil Figurative Portrait Redhead

"Scarlet" is a 28"x22" Oil on linen board. She is one of a series of similar portraits. -JAS

"Dressing Gown" Impressionistic Oil Figurative Woman

"Dressing Gown" is a 7"x5" Oil on linen board, SOLD.

"Green Tree" Small Encaustic Landscape

"Green Tree" is a 7"x5" Encaustic on board. I'm considering painting one of these small encaustic landscapes each day since they are popular and fun to do. SOLD

"Spiral" Contemporary Landscape, Trees

"Spiral" is a 20"x16" oil on linen board. This is a contemporary approach which is a departure for me. I have found it to be well-received. SOLD

"Rose" Small Oil Portrait

"Rose" is a 5"x7" oil painting on linen board. -JAS  SOLD

"Anna" Oil portrait

"Anna" is a 5"x7" oil painting on linen board. There is a bit of melancholy in Anna's eyes as often is the case with the women I paint. I don't understand why but I've come to accept it as important to me."-JAS SOLD

"Distant Dream" Oil landscape

"Distant Dream" is a 16" x 20" oil on linen board. Landscapes are a departure for me since I usually return to the figure and portrait even when I try to branch out to new subject matter."-JAS

"Guatemalen Girl" Encaustic portrait

"Guatemalen Girl, Encaustic on board, 16" x 20" with 2" bronzetone frame. "This painting is done entirely with molten, pigmented waxes. The inspiration came from photos I have seen of Guatemalen people living close to the land." -JAS

"Yes, They Just Arrived" Encaustic figurative woman and flowers

"Yes, They Just Arrived", Encaustic 4" x 6" with 2" gold frame, Collection of Artist. "My daughter has spoken for this painting so I dare not let it go. It has an unusually large number of layers of molten, pigmented waxes. " - JAS

"Nothing Lasting" Encaustic figurative woman

"Nothing Lasting", 11.5" x 11.5" Encaustic on tray with 1/2" gold border. "This painting is done on a hard plastic tray which was first primed so that the molten, pigmented waxes would properly adhere. The painting evolved with imagination. " -JAS

"Violet" Oil portrait redheaded woman

"Violet", Original 16" x 20" Oil on board, SOLD.

"It Makes No Difference" Figurative encaustic of seated woman

"It Makes No Difference", 12" x 12" Encaustic on board with 2" gold frame. "This painting is done exclusively with molten, pigmented waxes. It is challenging and time-consuming to paint figures and portraits with molten wax. Each time more wax is added it must be melted (fused) into the previous layer of wax using a blowtorch." -JAS

"The Event" watercolor of redheaded woman

"The Event", Original Watercolor on Sandpaper, 4.5" x 6.5" with 1" gold frame. "The painting is based on live model figure sketches which I frequently do." -JAS