Even though I am also an acrylic painter , I consider encaustic to be my primary medium because of the unique depth and texture it brings to my subjects . I manipulate the wax through scraping , using impressions and smoothing techniques to evoke the complicated but perfect natural world around me that I find through my camera lens . My signature technique is carving into deep multi-colored layers bringing a richness and complexity to the work . It has been described as sculptural and I continue to push the boundaries in that direction . I am drawn to linear abstract themes and carving back through layers of color feeds that inspiration . During my early period , I created series of abstract leaves , petals , and trees using this technique . As my work shows , I am drawn to color ( blues , oranges , yellows , reds ). I use pigments to make my own paints encompassing the entire color spectrum .