Valerie Long

I am an abstract artist using encaustic wax as my medium. In encaustic art, a variety of materials and methods are used, achieving an image with amazing movement and texture. One of its most alluring attributes is its exquisite surface quality. A major contributor to that quality is that beeswax, which is impervious to moisture, and therefore will not deteriorate, yellow, or darken. Capturing the true depth and luminosity of encaustic takes experience, knowledge, and skill. The outcome is a unique and original piece that stands the test of time. Inspiration for art - any art - can be derived from cultural tradition, an expression of the spiritual, a record of history, and the use of visual rather than verbal language.

Inspiration for Art
Interpreting the world through art is a fascinating process for me. As an abstract artist, I find that encaustic medium facilitates an other-worldly dimension in my paintings. The fluid nature of encaustic wax blended with vibrant colors, heat and other media allow for the quintessential creative process. Using a variety of tools, I fuse, move, blend, and sculpt my pieces creating original work reflecting my experience with nature, other cultures, and architecture.
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While in college, I paint...

Attended classes for five years to become a juried member of the Historical Society of Early American Design (HSEAD).

Attended North Country Studio Workshops (NCSW) in 2014, 2016, and 2018. NCSW is five days of art workshops in a variety of media taught by internationally-known artists. Each NCSW workshop I took focused on encaustic art.

Although I was a Registered Dietitian for 40 years, I became interested in encaustic art prior to retirement. After retirement, I attended classes and perfected my technique in encaustic art.

See above.