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 in to a fine art form, most often used in mural painting and funeral portraits.

 

Encaustic literally means to “burn in” from the Greek word encausticos. This name comes from the fact that in encaustic painting, each layer must be fused with heat to the layer beneath. The base medium used is beeswax which is then mixed with demar resin (crystallized sap from fir trees). The demar resin provides hardness while the wax provides luminosity.

 

I use pigment and oil to create colour and layers to create texture and depth. Encaustics often appear to be lit from within. The process itself is a meditative, sensual experience. Once the surface cools , the paint hardens into a permanent finish that can be worked to the rich lustrous patina that is the hallmark of encaustic painting. Often combined with other mediums such as photography and collage, encaustic paintings are valued due to their luminosity, rich texture, translucence, depth and natural aromatic warmth.

 

 

Encaustic Care

 

Although encaustic paintings are very archival, they should be carefully handled to avoid scratching the surface or chipping of the edges. Encaustic work should NOT be placed behind a glass frame or in direct sunlight as the wax will begin to melt when temperatures reach approximately 65 degrees Celsius. NEVER leave encaustic work inside a car or outdoors in the sun, or in freezing conditions.

 

They should be kept in a relatively temperature controlled space. Indirect sunlight or bright white lighting is desirable in order to bring out the luminescent quality imparted by the wax medium. Recomended temperatures are between 5 and 50 degrees Celsius.

 

An encaustic painting may develop a whitish film on the surface in the first six to twelve months as the wax cures. This is called “bloom”. It is the natural process of the wax curing and can be easily removed, along with shallow scratches, by polishing the surface with a soft, lint-free, cloth. Buffing the painting surface periodically with a soft cloth will maintain the unique patina of the wax. The exception to the rule is to not polish where there is texture or imbedded materials.

 

For any questions in regards to care please contact Sandi Greene.