About Encaustic

What is the Encaustic Painting Method?

Beeswax medium (which can be tinted with colour) is applied with a brush or spatula (or poured or dripped) onto a sturdy support - usually a board.

The beeswax medium is put on in layers, with each layer being fused with heat (encausted) so the next layer will adhere to the one below it. It is easier to work horizontally, but working vertically can create a dripping effect.

When the wax painting has cooled in five seconds, it has reached its permanent state. No further work (other than a mild buffing) needs to be done. However... glazing, repainting, texturing, or layering may be applied directly to the final surface, to enhance the painting.

Pilgrimage Home © Andrew Csafordi

Optical Effects
Variations in transparency can be achieved using encaustic medium and layering. Layers of coloured wax medium are laid one on top of the other, or by layering of straight medium, to create unusual translucent effects. Pure opaque colors have total hiding power and bright top tones.

Glazing can greatly extend a colour. Unlike adding large amounts of oil to oil paint, there is no technical danger in adding large amounts of wax medium to a colour pigments. The encaustic can also be made more fluid by raising its temperature slightly.

To build texture, different degrees of fusing can be employed. Well-fused, the wax will take a higher polish than wax that is not as thoroughly fused. The painting and fusing of encaustic is done with great precision and skill. Too much heat will melt the wax where it is not needed, too little heat will not fuse the wax properly.

Morning Glory © Andrew Csafordi

Collecting Encaustic Paintings
A lot of people are falling in love with encaustic art. Encaustic is another medium for artists to use and create with like oil, acrylic, pastel etc. Each have a distinct look and feel, and each has their own special characteristics to love.

Encaustic paintings do not need any extra care or attention. Treat encaustic with the same respect and care as you would with any oil or acrylic painting.

Cleaning encaustic is easy. Just brush it with a soft brush now and then. If painted correctly, it is a painting that you can touch gently. Touching will not damage the painting if handled with care. The wax medium has a fairly high melting point so as long as you hold the heat at a distance you will see the bloom disappear and that is all you need to do.