About Encaustic Painting

Encaustic or hot wax painting originated in the 5th century BCE in Greece. It was originally used as a means to decorate ships and later evolved into a fine art form, most often used in mural painting and funeral portraits.

The technique involves melting damar crystals in bees wax and adding dry pigment. The hot wax is applied to a rigid surface and quickly hardens. Heat is then applied to the wax paint, fusing the pigment and wax. The literal meaning of the word encaustic is “burning in” which refers to this step in the process. Once the wax paint cools additional layers can be added to achieve depth and texture. Oil paints, oil pastels, dry pigments, metal leaf and other substances can be worked into or layered onto the wax. Each layer must be fused with the layer below. Once the surface has cooled, the paint hardens into a permanent finish that can be worked to the rich and lustrous patina that is the hallmark of encaustic paintings.

Care of Encaustic Paintings

Encaustic paintings are durable and archival. As with all fine art forms, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures – they will thrive in temperatures between 35 and 125 degrees F. Indirect sunlight or bright, white lighting is desirable and will bring out the luminescent quality imparted by the wax medium. An encaustic painting may develop a film on the surface for the first six to twelve months as the wax cures. This is a natural process called "bloom" and is easily removed, along with shallow scratches, by wiping the surface with a soft cloth. Dusting the painting surface with a soft brush and buffing it with a soft cloth periodically will maintain the unique patina of the wax.

 

Websites about Encaustic Art

www.rfpaints.com
www.artlex.com
www.fineartstore.coM