The Encaustic Process of Brookhaven Artist Lauren Loden: Paint, Burn, Repeat

Lauren’s artistic journey began at the age of five when her mother enrolled her in watercolor lessons on the beaches of Charleston, South Carolina. Those early lessons sparked a lifelong passion for creative expression. Though Lauren enjoyed creating as a child, it wasn’t until adulthood, after stepping away from a successful advertising career to focus on being a full-time mother, that she fully embraced her calling as an artist.

“When my youngest started school, I was able to dive back into what I truly love,” Lauren shared. Reigniting her passion for artistic expression, she immersed herself in encaustic art, discovering its unique process for the first time under the guidance of fellow artist Penny Treese. Today, her work draws inspiration from children, nature, and the serendipitous connections she experiences in daily life.

Rolling up her sleeves, Lauren takes us through her process step-by-step, starting with the wooden canvas. She tapes off the edges, a crucial step to keep the canvas clean and create crisp edges. Next, she evenly distributes a generous layer of the wax-resin mixture, heated to the perfect temperature for malleability. Blowtorch in hand, she fuses the wax to the canvas, repeating the process twice more to create a sturdy, textured base.

This is where Lauren’s creativity shines brightest. Her deep understanding of color and heat guides her as she applies the pigment and wax mixture with an intuitive flow, letting the colors and textures evolve naturally. The blowtorch is her paintbrush, transforming the wax with every pass of the flame. Swirling patterns, soft gradients, and rich textures begin to emerge. It’s in these moments that Lauren’s artistic vision comes alive. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, unrepeatable and undeniably captivating.

Lauren Loden’s work is a testament to the beauty of patience, process, and passion. Her encaustic paintings capture more than color. They capture the heart of an artist devoted to her craft and her community. Whether you’re acquiring her art at Marguerite’s on Dresden, marveling at her creations at Brookhaven’s Art Pop-Up + Shop, or learning from her in a workshop, one thing is certain. Lauren’s art leaves an impression that’s as enduring as the wax on her canvas.