ENCAUSTIC PAINTING
Encaustic painting is also known as “molten wax painting.” The artist uses hot liquid beeswax, usually mixed with color pigment, and Damar resin as the painting medium. The medium is applied with a variety of tools, and dries very quickly. The painting surface should not be flexible, and often the preferred painting surface is a wood panel. Each layer of medium is reheated to fuse it to the previous layer of wax, as well as the wood panel. The buildup of pigmented wax gives the viewer a large range of optical effects. The encaustic wax surfaces may appear glassy or rough, luminous, opaque, or translucent. The wax surface is impermeable to moisture, and will not darken or discolor with time.
Encaustic painting is a very durable, ancient, art form. The Greeks used the encaustic method to caulk and decorate boats and warships. Greek, Byzantine, and Roman artists used the encaustic medium as well to produce fine art. The most famous extant encaustic art examples are the Fayum funeral portraits created by Greek Painters in Egypt (circa 100 – 300AD). The colors in the Fayum portraits are still very vibrant today. The development of portable electric temperature controlled heating devices (i.e. hotplates, hot trays, etc.) used for heating the wax; has made encaustic painting more popular with artists worldwide.
Most of my paintings on this website are sold already framed. We frame the paintings using Illusion Floater Frames in Black Finish. The paintings are also wired for hanging on your wall area.
"Enigma" in Illusion Floater Frame.
Encaustic paintings require care, as does any fine art. The following recommendations are important for the care of an encaustic painting:
Never leave encaustic artwork in your vehicle or trunk on warm or freezing days.
Avoid exposing encaustic artwork to direct sunlight, or extreme temperatures. The best temperature range for encaustic artwork is between 38 – 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not hang encaustic artwork above a fireplace, or other heating source.
Encaustic paintings can be chipped, scratched, or gouged if handled roughly.
Encaustic paintings do not need a glass frame over the painting.
Do not clean the wax surface of the encaustic artwork with water or any cleaning agent.
Gently dust the encaustic painting with a soft brush from time to time.
Encaustic paintings may develop a surface film called “bloom” as the wax cures. “Bloom” is a naturally occurring hazy white residue. “Bloom” may also occur if the painting is exposed to cold temperatures. Dust the painting first, and then you can buff the surface of the painting gently to restore the gloss. Please use a soft, lint free cloth.
Please contact me if you have any questions: mfoxpaint@gmail.com.