About Eleanor Mae
Hi, I’m Ellie, founder of Eleanor Mae Design Studio. I’m a mixed media artist based in Portland, Oregon.
My work is rooted in sustainability, intuition, and a deep connection to the natural world. I’m inspired by time spent in the Pacific Northwest and the High Sierra, and by the quiet presence of changing landscapes and seasons.
I create layered mixed media works using repurposed papers, textiles, maps, and materials gathered from past work. I build through collage, stitching, watercolor, oil pastel, and beeswax, allowing each piece to unfold slowly and intuitively. The layers hold traces of what came before, transformed over time—much like the natural world itself.
At the heart of my practice is a simple intention: to slow down, notice what’s already here, and create from that place.
I studied Fine Art with a minor in Business at the University of Oregon, along with art history and Eastern philosophy, which continue to influence my reflective, process-driven approach.
I also offer occasional community art classes in the Portland area, creating space for others to explore creativity through mixed media and handcraft.
About Encaustics
My encaustic paintings are made with beeswax, damar resin (a natural tree sap that acts as a hardening agent), and mixed media. I paint in layers, fusing each layer with heat.
Encaustic painting has a long history, dating back to the 5th Century B.C. The word encaustic comes from the Greek enkaustikos which means “to burn in”, which refers to the process of fusing the paint. Beeswax is impervious to moisture, it will not deteriorate, it will not yellow or darken. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass.
How to care for your encaustic artwork:
Treat an encaustic painting as you would any fine art. Use care hanging, transporting or storing a painting.
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Consistent Temperature
Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid freezing and extremely hot temperatures; wax will melt at 150°F / 65°C.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight
Keep all artwork out of direct sunlight.
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Transporting a painting
When packing encaustic art for transportation, cover the face of the painting with wax paper. Do not use bubble wrap directly on the front of the painting as it may leave an imprint on the surface. For shipping, build a box the right size for the painting.
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Framing
Encaustic does not need to be protected by glass. A floater frame is an attractive option that also protects the edges of the painting from scratches, dents and chips. Works on paper may be framed under glass; ensure the glass is not in contact with the artwork.
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Curing of Encaustic Art
During the first 6-12 months, as the wax cures, an encaustic painting may develop bloom. Bloom is a naturally occurring hazy white residue. It may also occur if a painting is exposed to cold. Bloom can easily be removed by buffing the surface of the painting.
Encaustic paintings can be buffed to a high gloss using a soft, lint-free cloth or pantyhose. If the original sheen has become dull over time, it can be brought back by repeating the buffing process.
Once an encaustic painting has fully cured and hardened it will repel dust.
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