What are the particular qualities of CWM that draw artists to it as a medium ? Artists often use the words luminosity , translucency , impasto , texture , layers , history , and depth when asked why they choose CWM . The plasticity and drying time of the medium allow artists to build up multiple layers and textures and then go back into the surface , excavating with solvents or tools to reveal the rich history that was previously created . It is a flexible and forgiving medium that allows for a lot of play and experimentation in one ’ s work . Aside from not requiring heat , it is the painterly handling and slower drying time of CWM that set it most apart from encaustic .
What techniques do artists use and what kinds of effects can be achieved with CWM ? Its versatility allows for thin translucent layers and thick impasto textures . Artists use a variety of tools depending on the thickness and textural effects they desire . Dry pigments and additives like sand and marble dust can be added freely to change the color , surface , and handling of the medium . Mono-printing and transfer techniques work well . Depending on the stage of dryness , tools like squeegees , palette knives , and everyday household and kitchen items can be used for mark-making , surface effects , and textures . Multiple reductive techniques using tools and solvents allow artists to explore previous layers of a work . Artists use CWM for realism , abstraction , and collage ; they combine it with photography , encaustic , and 3D work .
CWM can be combined with encaustic processes ? Yes . There are artists who combine cold wax and encaustic processes . Some use them adjacent to each other for contrasting surfaces and effects . Others use CWM and oils on top of encaustic surfaces , exploiting the painterly handling and workability at room temperature . A few artists do encaustic pouring and painting on top of cured cold wax surfaces . In thin layers , adhesion between the two mediums is generally not a problem . While I know that there are artists who heat and fuse CWM , it does carry the risk of fire and dangerous fume inhalation .