Encaustic is a painting technique that involves using heated beeswax mixed with pigments to create art. The word "encaustic" is derived from the Greek word "enkaustikos," which means "to burn in." This name reflects the process, as encaustic painting involves melting the wax and then applying it to a surface, typically wood or canvas, where it cools and solidifies.

Encaustic is as versatile as any 21st century medium. It can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modeled, sculpted, textured, and combined with oil. It cools immediately so that there is no drying time, yet it can always be reworked.

Encaustic is also a very durable artists’ paint due to the fact that beeswax is impervious to moisture. Because of this, it will not deteriorate, it will not yellow, and it will not darken. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass.

Encaustic paint does not require the use of solvents. As a result, a number of health hazards are reduced or eliminated.

The History of Encaustic Paints - A Combination of Two Cultures

Encaustic painting was practiced by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C. Most of our knowledge of this early use comes from the Roman historian, Pliny, who wrote in the 1st century A.D. Pliny seems to have had little direct knowledge about studio methods so his account of techniques and materials is not thorough, but his discussion gives us an idea of its general usage. According to Pliny, encaustic had a variety of applications: for the painting of portraits and scenes of mythology on panels, for the coloring of marble and terra cotta, and for work on ivory, probably the tinting of incised lines.

Wax is an excellent preservative of materials. It was from this use that the art of encaustic painting developed. The Greeks applied coatings of wax and pitch to weatherproof their ships. Pigmenting the wax gave rise to the decorating of warships and, later, merchant ships. Mention is even made by Homer of the painted ships of the Greek warriors who fought at Troy. The use of  a rudimentary encaustic was therefore an established practice by the 5th century B.C. It is possible that at about that time the crude paint applied with tar brushes to the ships was refined for the art of painting on panels. Pliny mentions two artists who had, in fact, started out as ship painters.

Encaustic painting process

1. Materials: Encaustic painting requires beeswax, pigments (colorants), and a heat source. Additional materials like brushes, scraping tools, and a suitable surface are also used.

2. Preparation: The artist prepares a wooden or canvas surface by priming it with a layer of melted beeswax, creating a smooth and absorbent base for the pigments.

3. Mixing Colors: Pigments are mixed with the melted beeswax to create colored encaustic paint. The artist can blend colors and achieve various effects by altering the pigment-to-wax ratio.

4. Application: The artist applies the molten encaustic paint to the prepared surface using brushes, palette knives, or other tools. This can be done in layers, allowing each layer to cool and harden before applying the next.

5. Fusing: After applying a layer of encaustic paint, the artist uses a heat source, typically a heat gun or a propane torch, to fuse the wax and pigment to the surface. This step ensures the paint adheres securely and creates a smooth, glossy finish.

6. Layering: Encaustic paintings often involve building up multiple layers to achieve depth and texture. Artists can embed various materials and textures into the layers, such as photographs, paper, fabric, or even other paintings.

7. Final Details: Once the desired effect is achieved, the artist can add additional details, textures, or marks to the painting, either by embedding them in the wax or by painting on top of the wax layers.

8. Sealing: To protect the finished encaustic painting, artists may choose to apply a final clear layer of encaustic medium or wax, which can be polished to a high sheen.

Encaustic painting offers a unique and versatile medium for artists to explore, as it allows for a wide range of visual effects and can be combined with other techniques and materials. Due to its durability, encaustic artworks have been known to last for centuries, with some ancient encaustic paintings still in existence today.