Fantastical Blues

This solo exhibition, at Studio 99, Buenaventura Art Association, Ventura, California, from September 6 to October 26, 2024. Paulsen explores the molten medium of encaustic, reflected in the seascapes and landscapes of Southern California and other travels. She focuses on the horizon line to separate the sky from the water. Elements of the land, such as rocky protrusions, are carved in as compositional elements. Layers of the encaustic medium are fused together with a torch, allowing the colors to mix and marble on the panels, creating fantastical effects. The colors are luminescent and sensual as the surface is transformed by layers being added and subtracted to reveal the patterns of nature. Making encaustic paintings forces Paulsen to live in the moment. The medium requires her full attention. It is an alchemical and magical process that is not always predictable.

Sandy Bluff, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 18" x 36"(Private Collection)

Wind and Waves, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 18" x 36"

Turbulent Waters, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 16" x 20"
(Private Collection)

Secret Places - Hideaway, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 16" x 20" (Also Shown with the Claremont Artisans Collective, Claremont, CA)

Misty Mountain, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick
on Cradled Panel, 20" x 16"
(Also Shown with the Claremont Artisans Collective, Claremont, CA)

View from Santa Cruz Island, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 12" x 16"
(Private Collection)

Scorpion Bay, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 16" x 12"
(Also Shown with the Claremont Artisans Collective, Claremont, CA)

Santa Cruz Island, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 12" x 16"
(Also Shown with the Claremont Artisans Collective, Claremont, CA

Rocky Ledge, Ecaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 8" x 10"

Shimmering Surf, Ecaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 8" x 10"

Starry Starry Night, Ecaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 8" x 10"

Harbor Cove Beach, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 8" x 8" (Private Collection)

Into the Blue, Ecaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 8" x 8"
(Private Collection)

Golden Mist, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 8" x 8" (Private Collection)

Night Visions, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 4" x 4" (Private Collection)

Walking on the Moon, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 4" x 4" (Private Collection)

Of the Sky and Sea, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 4" x 4" (Private Collection)

Lavender Haze, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 3" x 5" (Private Collection)

The Rain Song, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 3" x 5" (Private Collection)

Paradise, Encaustic, Shellac, and Pigment Stick on Cradled Panel, 3" x 5" (Private Collection)

You may also like