The Encaustic Process
The Ancient Art of Encaustic Painting
[INSERT VIDEO: What is Encaustic Painting?]
Encaustic painting is one of the world's oldest art forms, dating back to ancient Greece. The word "encaustic" comes from the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to burn in."
What Makes Encaustic Special?
Unlike oil or acrylic painting, encaustic uses beeswax as a medium, which is heated, mixed with pigments, and then fused to a substrate using heat. The result is a luminous, ethereal surface that has a unique depth and quality of light.
Materials I Use
- Pure Beeswax: The foundation of every piece
- Damar Resin: Hardens the wax and raises the melting temperature
- Pigments & Inks: Raw pigments and high-quality inks for color
- Oils: Sometimes mixed in for unique effects
- Wooden Panels: Cradled wood provides the perfect substrate
Tools of the Trade
- Heat Gun: For melting and fusing layers
- Blowtorch: For detailed fusing and special effects
- Hot Palette: Keeps wax molten while working
- Brushes: Natural bristle brushes for application
- Scraping Tools: For creating texture and depth
My Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing the Panel
I start with a high-quality wooden panel, usually birch or maple. The panel is sealed and prepared to accept the wax layers. For many of my works, I begin with one of my own wildlife photographs, which I enlarge and transfer to the panel.
Step 2: Building Layers
I melt the beeswax mixed with damar resin and begin applying thin layers. Each layer is translucent, allowing light to pass through and reflect back, creating that signature ethereal glow. This is where the magic begins—the depth you see in the finished piece comes from these multiple translucent layers.
Step 3: Adding Color
I mix pigments and inks into the molten wax, carefully controlling the opacity and hue. Sometimes I work with very transparent layers to build up color gradually; other times I add opaque layers for contrast and definition.
Step 4: Fusing with Flame
This is what makes encaustic truly unique. After each layer is applied, I use a blowtorch to fuse it to the layer below. The heat causes the wax to melt and bond permanently. This process creates an incredibly durable surface—encaustic artworks can last thousands of years without fading or cracking.
[INSERT VIDEO: Close-up of fusing technique]
Step 5: Details and Refinement
I continue building layers, sometimes 20-30 layers or more, adding details, adjusting colors, and creating texture. The work is never linear—I often go back to earlier areas, adding new layers, scraping back to reveal previous layers, and building up the composition.
Step 6: Edge Treatment
One of my signature techniques is burnishing the edges with antique gold. This eliminates the need for framing and makes each edge part of the artwork itself. The golden edges catch the light beautifully and give the piece a finished, precious quality.
Step 7: Final Buffing
Once complete, I buff the surface to bring out the lustrous sheen that encaustic is known for. The finished surface has a soft glow and a slightly textured feel that invites touch (though I encourage collectors to resist!).
Why I Love Encaustic
"Hot wax can be difficult to work with, but it's worth the effort because it lends itself perfectly to depicting calm water, misty atmospheres, and the soft quality of light at dawn and dusk. The sheen from the wax has a water-like quality that is hard to replicate with any other material."
Archival Quality
Encaustic paintings are incredibly stable and archival. The wax is impervious to moisture, and because it doesn't oxidize like oil paint, the colors remain true over time. Ancient encaustic portraits from Roman Egypt (the Fayum mummy portraits) still look vibrant after 2,000 years!
Care for Your Encaustic Artwork
Encaustic paintings require minimal care. Learn more about caring for your encaustic art.