December Featured Artist: Denise Richards
Framing the Calm: Denise Richards and Her Trust in American Frame
Along the quiet shore of Flowing Lake in Snohomish, Washington, artist Denise Richards finds her muse in the ever-shifting moods of the Cascade Mountain foothills. The mist, the light, and the color of the horizon become the language through which she works, translated not in paint, but in wax.
Richards specializes in encaustic painting, an ancient technique that combines pigmented beeswax with tree sap. Layer upon layer is applied, fused, and gently scraped back, revealing depth, texture, and luminosity that seem to breathe from within the surface. The result is a visual serenity that feels both natural and transcendent.
“I hope to create space for the viewer to take pause and not just see but also feel the calm in my paintings,” Richards says. “We all could use a little calm in the chaos.”
Her palette often drifts toward shades of Payne’s Grey and Indigo Blue, echoing the moody tones of the Pacific Northwest sky. Each piece balances tension and tranquility, translating light through the tactile qualities of wax.
An abstract landscape by December Featured Artist Denise Richards shown in a gallery setting, framed in our Natural Walnut Canvas Float Frame.
Ancient Medium of Depth and Dimension
The encaustic process itself requires patience and precision. Richards builds her compositions on deep birch cradled panels, a choice that supports the physical depth of the medium. As she scrapes, melts, and reveals hidden layers, a quiet rhythm emerges—one that mirrors the ebb and flow of nature itself.
That dialogue between form and finish extends to her framing. To protect the delicate edges of each painting and complement its organic texture, Richards finishes her work in American Frame wood float frames.
She often selects rich walnut or metallic-stained finishes, choices that amplify the warmth of the natural tones of her color palette. The floating presentation allows the paintings to breathe, enhancing their sense of space and light.
A serene abstract painting presented in a clean, minimalist setting, framed in our Metalia Silver Canvas Float Frame.
Why She Chooses American Frame
For an artist working in such a layered medium, precision and quality are essential. The stability of American Frame’s wood float frames and the availability of custom sizes provide Richards with both structure and elegance. The craftsmanship allows her to focus on the sensory experience of encaustic painting, confident that her work will be beautifully and securely presented.
Each frame becomes a quiet architectural element, echoing the balance and restraint in Richards’ work, an understated finish that preserves, protects, and completes the piece without intrusion.
About Denise Richards
Denise Richards is an encaustic artist, instructor, and Core Artist with R&F Handmade Paints.
A member of the International Encaustic Association, she has exhibited in solo and juried group shows in Seattle and across the country.
Side-by-side images with Denise’s abstract painting on the left (framed in 623675 - Natural Walnut Canvas Float Frame) and Denise Richards discussing her work in the studio on the right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is encaustic painting?
A: Encaustic painting is an ancient art form that uses a blend of heated beeswax, tree resin, and colored pigments. Artists layer and fuse the wax to create richly textured, luminous surfaces. The technique allows for exceptional depth, transparency, and durability.
Q: Why does Denise Richards use encaustic as her primary medium?
A: Working from her studio in Snohomish, Washington, Denise is inspired by the moody light of the Pacific Northwest. Encaustic allows her to translate that atmosphere into layers of wax and pigment, revealing color and texture that evoke calm and introspection.
Q: What materials does Denise use for her encaustic paintings?
A: Denise paints on deep birch cradled panels that provide the strength and stability needed to support multiple layers of wax. She builds, fuses, and scrapes the surface to reveal hidden tones, often using shades such as Payne’s Grey and Indigo Blue.
Q: How are encaustic paintings framed?
A: Because encaustic surfaces are slightly raised and textured, they require depth and open space within the frame. Denise protects each piece with American Frame wood float frames, which offer the custom depth and stability needed for this medium while enhancing the art’s natural warmth.
Q: Why does Denise Richards choose American Frame?
A:American Frame’s craftsmanship and precision align perfectly with Denise’s layered process. The company’s wood float frames—available in rich walnut and metallic finishes—provide a timeless, elegant way to present encaustic works while safeguarding delicate edges.
Q: Can encaustic paintings be displayed in different environments?
A: Yes. Once cured, encaustic paintings are stable and archival. They should be displayed in a temperature-controlled environment, out of direct sunlight or extreme heat. A quality float frame helps protect the wax surface and maintain the artwork’s integrity over time.
Q: Where can I learn more about Denise Richards’ work?
A: You can explore Denise Richards’ encaustic landscapes and learn more about her process and teaching through her website and Instagram.
