What is Encaustic?

Encaustic is an all-natural painting medium composed of beeswax and damar resin (crystallised tree sap - acts as hardener) that can be mixed with artists pigments. Kept molten on a heated palette, it can be brushed onto any solid, absorbent surface. I prefer a blow torch to manipulate and ‘fuse’ the layers of waxy paint but a heat gun or a flat iron may also be used.

Encaustic painting was practiced by ancient Greek artists as far back as 3000 years ago then later taken to Egypt. The word ‘encaustic’ comes from the Greek word enkaustikos, meaning to burn in, referring to the fusing process.

Beeswax resists moisture, so encaustic works avoid major deterioration and the wax is photoreactive so it won’t yellow or darken and it also repels dust.

Encaustic artworks may be buffed with a soft, lint free cloth to a high gloss, carved into, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modelled, sculpted, textured  and combined with oil paint and other media.

The attractions of this ancient medium for many contemporary artists are its organic ingredients, its technical versatility and the luminous depth that can be achieved by working in layers.

You might enjoy …

The Fayum Funeral Portraits, 1st and 2nd century AD, Greek painters in Egypt

Diego Rivera’s mural, Creation, 1922-23, Mexico

Jasper Johns, Flag, 1954, MOMA, USA

Jenny Sages, After Jack, 2012, Australia