Encaustic artists featured at Fallbrook Library

FALLBROOK – The Friends of the Fallbrook Library will host its first encaustics show, "Melted Masterworks, Contemporary Encaustic Paintings," from May 10 through June 26 at Fallbrook Library. Seven California encaustic artists have been invited to participate.

Encaustic is an amazing 2,000-year-old medium that combines wax, pigment and heat to create surfaces that amaze. The paintings for this show were selected for the variety of effects that can be obtained with melted wax.

Gabriele Bitter said, "I am very interested in expressing the emotions associated with color and luminosity."

"Encaustics allows me to paint with complete spontaneity, produce a variety of layers and textures while still maintaining a vivid palette,” said Angela Koenig.

Colette Passini loved encaustics from the first time she took an encaustic workshop. She said she got hooked on the beeswax aroma and the buttery feel of the wax which appealed to her.

Heidi Rufeh said, "The textures created with the encaustic and acrylic medium in combination with collage elements give voice to suggestive drama and mystery."

"Working with encaustic combines my love of art and science,” said Josie Rodriquez. "It is elemental, natural, organic, messy, experimental…very often resulting in the unexpected and unplanned."

Gail Steinberg, founder of International Encaustic Artists, a non-profit organization of over 500 members, has been painting with wax for over a decade. "Wax is seductive and a joy to work with," she said.

The 'Melted Masterworks' reception will be on Friday, May 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is welcome free of charge. Fallbrook Library is located at 124 S. Mission Rd. For more information, call (760) 731-4650.