ABOUT ENCAUSTIC & PAINTING WITH WAX

Encaustic is a method of painting with has been in existence in one form or another for many centuries. The most famous early example is the sarcophagi of the Hellenised Egyptians, known as the Fayum Mummy portraits. The word “encaustic” has its origins in the Greek “enkaustikos”, which means “to burn in”.

It's main ingredient is melted beeswax; this is then sometimes mixed with other types of wax, and hardeners such as damar resin, this allows the artist greater flexibility in utilising the medium. The base medium can then be coloured with either pure powdered pigments, oil paints straight from the tube, or oil sticks.

I prefer to use encaustic in its melted, heated form, using a combination of wax, damar resin and oil paints, brushing straight onto the surface. This can bring about lovely texture as the wax hardens immediately. I can then manipulate with a heat gun, or carve into the surface with a variety of tools (sgraffito), and finish sometimes with a glaze of oil paints, tar, or ink. Encaustic is also a great vehicle for collage and image transfer.

Using such a wonderful medium for me is a revelation. It is flexible, adaptable, and has the most beautiful textures and surface quality an artist could look for. A narrative is quickly established through its multiple layers, which can then be coalesced into the final image.