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What is encaustic?

Encaustic is a Greek word meaning “to heat or burn in” (enkaustikos). Heat is used throughout the process, from melting the beeswax to fusing the layers of wax. I create my own encaustic medium using natural bees wax, carnauba and pigment. This ancient method of painting with quick drying, hot liquid wax, using a variety of brushes and tools, results in incredibly tactile surfaces and translucency. Each layer is reheated to fuse it to the previous layer. These paintings are extremely archival with the colours remaining fresh and bright, due to the protection of the wax.

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Care of Encaustic Art
Encaustic paintings are extremely archival, but as with any fine art, care should be given to them. There should be no fear of the work melting in normal household conditions. The wax and resin will not melt unless exposed to temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaving a painting in a car on a hot day would not be advisable or hanging a painting in front of a window with direct desert-like sun. They are also sensitive to freezing cold temperatures.

Some encaustic colours tend to “bloom” or become cloudy over time. If your painting appears indistinct, simply rub the surface with a soft cloth or nylon stocking. Over time the surface retains its gloss as the wax medium continues to cure and harden for up to 1-3 years.