Whistler Moose
Encaustic is a wax based paint composed of beeswax, resin and pigment which is kept molten on a heated palette. Encaustic is as versatile as any 21st century medium. The word ‘encaustic’ comes from the Greek word enkaiein, meaning to burn in, referring to the process of fusing the paint. It can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, etc.
Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass because encaustic works as is its own protector. This is because beeswax is impervious to moisture, a major cause of deterioration in a paint film. Wax resists moisture far more than resin varnish or oil and buffing encaustic gives luster and saturation to colour in just the same way resin varnish does.
Artist Paul Garbett lives through the process of painting and sculpting and has chosen the medium of encaustic. He currently focuses on large landscape and animal paintings and uses both oil AND encaustic mediums on canvas and wood panels.
‘Although my painting is presently focused on the Canadian experience here in the north, I’m not satisfied with just this direction and need to dive deeper into what the Canadian experience encompasses,’ says Garbett.
Time Past
Muskoka being where he currently lives has also provided him a myriad of creative inspiration. From 1971 until 2003, Garbett’s family had a cottage on Wilson’s Island on Lake Muskoka where he spent his childhood summers. Living in Muskoka has given him an even deeper perspective on the Canadian experience.
‘I love winters here in Muskoka, I think they are spectacular and are great to paint,’ states Garbett.
Garbett, a member of Muskoka Arts and Crafts works out of his custom built studio in his home.
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Paul Garbett 