About Encaustic

Most people are not familiar with the word encaustic. It’s an ancient process of painting with a hot melted mixture of beeswax and damar resin. I also incorporate the use of oil paints, pan pastels, photography, collage and drawings into my work.

Encaustic painting is the process of painting with wax and encaustic literally means “to burn in”. This refers to the fusing process that is required after the application of each layer of wax. Encaustic paintings date back to 100 – 300 AD. I paint my encaustics on cradled birch boards and use a combination of beeswax and tree resin. This results in a piece that is solid and stable. I add pure pigments to the hot wax and fuse with heat after each layer.

The process requires both patience and spontaneity. It’s a rare marriage of being in control and completely losing control in the process. It’s labor intensive with many steps. But the outcome is a dreamy, ethereal image with texture and appeal unlike any other art form. You truly have to see encaustic works to really appreciate all they have to offer. Photos rarely do them justice.

Caring for your Encaustic Painting

Encaustic art is durable and archival. As with all fine art forms, please treat it kindly. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Protect the surface and edges of your painting when moving it. Although the surface is completely dry, encaustic paintings, as well as any painting, can be scratched or chipped if handled roughly.

Your painting may develop a film on the surface for the first 6 – 12 months as the wax cures. This is a natural process called “bloom” and is easily removed, as are shallow scratches, by wiping the surface with a soft cloth. Occasional dusting and/or buffing the surface with a lint free cloth will maintain the luminance of the wax.