|
|
ORIGINAL ENCAUSTIC PAINTINGS |
Encaustic is a wax-based paint, composed of beeswax, damar resin (crystallized tree sap) and pigment. The medium is melted on a heated palette and applied with a brush to an absorbent surface. Each layer is then reheated to fuse it to the previous layer. I like to use a propane blowtorch for fusing the subsequent layers.
Encaustic is perhaps the most beautiful of all artists' paints, and it is as versatile as any 21st century medium. It can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modeled, sculpted, textured, and combined with other mediums.
Encaustic paintings don't have to be varnished or protected by glass because encaustic, which is the most durable of all artists' paints, is its own protector nor does it require the use of solvents which makes it extremely environmental friendly. Although technically difficult to master, my attraction to this medium are its dimensional quality, versatility and luminous color.
Encaustic is perhaps the most beautiful of all artists' paints, and it is as versatile as any 21st century medium. It can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modeled, sculpted, textured, and combined with other mediums.
Encaustic paintings don't have to be varnished or protected by glass because encaustic, which is the most durable of all artists' paints, is its own protector nor does it require the use of solvents which makes it extremely environmental friendly. Although technically difficult to master, my attraction to this medium are its dimensional quality, versatility and luminous color.
The word ‘encaustic’ comes from the Greek word enkaustikos, meaning to burn in, referring to the process of fusing the paint. it is an ancient technique, dating back to the Greeks who used wax to caulk ship hulls. Pigmentation of the wax gave rise to the decorating of warships.
Video of my encaustic painting process.
Care of Encaustic Art
Encaustic paintings are extremely archival, but as with any fine art, care should be taken. The work will not melt in normal household conditions, unless exposed to temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaving a painting in a car on a hot day is not be advisable or hanging a painting in front of a window with direct sun. They're also sensitive to freezing cold temperatures. Some encaustic colors tend to “bloom” or become cloudy over time. If this happens to your painting, 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.
Encaustic paintings are extremely archival, but as with any fine art, care should be taken. The work will not melt in normal household conditions, unless exposed to temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaving a painting in a car on a hot day is not be advisable or hanging a painting in front of a window with direct sun. They're also sensitive to freezing cold temperatures. Some encaustic colors tend to “bloom” or become cloudy over time. If this happens to your painting, 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.