Edward Fielding Art Collections

Encaustic Paintings and Mixed Media

Painting with 200 degree paint? Just one of the challenges of Encaustic painting. Hot air gun in one hand and hot wax and damar resin paint in the other. Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface—usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used. The word encaustic originates from the Greek word enkaustikos which means to burn in, and this element of heat is necessary for a painting to be called encaustic. This technique was notably used in the Fayum mummy portraits from Egypt around 100–300 AD, in the Blachernitissa and other early icons, as well as in many works of 20th-century North American artists, including Jasper Johns, Tony Scherman, Mark Perlman, and Fernando Leal Audirac. The final painting is very durable. It is create on a stiff panel - canvas is too flexible. The surface is sealed because of the wax and damar resin and is translucent so many layers can be seen. A soft cotton cloth in a circular motion is used to buff up the surface. If the painting every loses its shine it can be buffed again. The only care that needs to be taken is to keep it out of high heat (over 200). You wouldn't keep it in the truck of car on a hot summer day but otherwise there is nothing to worry about.