Deep within the mist-veiled borders of the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, the forest floor holds a quiet, ancient magic. Smoky Fiddle and Frond captures the enchanting spirit of native Fiddlehead Ferns as they emerge from the woodland soil. Inspired by folklore, this assemblage painting honors the tightly furled fronds of the youth fern—spirals rumored to hold the secrets of eternal youth, unseen protection, and the mystical power of invisibility.

Smoky Fiddle and Frond is a completely hand-painted, mixed-media encaustic painting. This painting features multiple layers of hand-brushed encaustic wax, oil pigments, and copper leaf on a custom, hand-made and painted sustainable birch wood cradled panel, set within a custom, hand-made floating frame crafted from hardwood. This is an original encaustic mixed-media work that is extremely archival, non-reproducible, and adds depth to the original painting, creating a dream-like effect.

Encaustic Fine Art Care –

Encaustic works are extremely archival as the beeswax makes them impervious to moisture, so they will not deteriorate, yellow, or darken. In addition, these works do not need to be varnished or protected by glass.

These archival works are quite durable, but as with any fine art, care should be given.

In normal household conditions, there should be no fear of the work melting, as the combination of the wax and resin will not melt unless exposed to temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It would not be advisable to leave an encaustic work in an automobile subject to extreme climatic temperatures or to hang it in front of a window with direct high-heat sun, such as in a desert-like environment. Likewise, encaustic works could be sensitive to cold temperatures, and these types of conditions should be avoided.

Some encaustic works may appear hazy or what is known as “bloom” over time. If work becomes hazy, this can be alleviated by simply rubbing the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth or nylon to return the work to its original nature as the encaustic wax continues to cure and harden during the first to third years of its life.

Buyers outside of the continental USA must contact me first for shipping information.