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Curt Butler Woodland Terrace, II Oil and encaustic on panel 45 x 15 inches

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Curt Butler

Curt Butler’s current medium is oil and encaustic-- the addition of colored pigments or oil paints mixed into the wax. “I enjoy the play of carving back into the wax with a palette knife to create different textures. Heating up the wax allows me to fuse layers of paint to create a surface that is varied and complex. Each layer must be carefully fused to the next to ensure there is no cracking. Stand oil is routinely applied to the wax to give it a little flexibility and makes it possible to work on a canvas surface rather than board. I sometimes put the wax and pigment on cold and melt it with a heat gun, and at other times, I start with a hot wax directly on the canvas. I have found these techniques feel very sculptural in nature. At times, I am building up the surface and at other times, I am subtracting or carving into the surface of the paint. Encaustic painting with oil has given me the emotional response that I am currently seeking in my work. I strive to suggest a subject rather than illustrate it, to literally feel the surface of the paint and to be able to engage the viewer from a distance and yet retain them when they are close. These are all reasons I choose to work the way I do.”

Butler received both a B.A from Kent State University and a M.F.A from Savannah College of Art and Design. He has taught at various institutions, including Gaston College and Gaston School of the Arts. He has also hosted a number of workshops throughout the Southeast for art students as well as professional artists. He considers himself an artist who teaches and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others.

His work is in numerous permanent collections including the Dallas Art Museum, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, C.B.R.E and Duke University Cancer Center.