Encaustic
WHAT IS ENCAUSTIC?
Encaustic is a very old medium used in Ancient Greece! It is painting with pigmented hot wax. The wax is a combination of beeswax and tree sap called Damar Resin (for hardening). The colored wax is pigmented with powder colors.
We apply the hot wax to paper or wood panels in the molten state and it firms up. We use the wax at a temperature of about 180 degrees and when it cools and sets up and it is very stable. It wont melt in the sun or in your house, but would get warm in a car on a very hot day. We advise that it not be hung in a sunny area like any other Art… because sun can fade colors. The depth and luminosity of Encaustic pieces comes from the many layers and the ability to see through to underlying layers.
As it cures the piece can become dull but shines up easily with a soft cotton cloth rubbed over the piece in a circular motion.