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DARRELL PETERSON
Darrell Peterson’s work explores the ancient art of encaustic paintings — its name derived from the Greek word meaning, “to burn.” This technique blends pigment with molten beeswax and damar resin, which is then brushed onto birch wood panels. Using a blowtorch, each layer is fused with heat, sealing the surface into a luminous, durable surface that reveals depth and complexity with each layer. I work both flat and vertical, though mostly flat when using the torch, allowing for greater control over flow and fusion of the wax.
His palette leans toward the calming and meditative, which echos natural forms and landscapes. Fields, wildflowers, mystic waters, and dreamlike terrains emerge through veils of translucent wax. Despite the physical nature of encaustic painting—and it’s, at times, unforgiving demands, there’s room for revision. A single unwanted stroke or even an entire area can be removed with a razor blade or later scraping tool and reworked.