Encaustic Artwork
Encaustic art involves the use of beeswax and damar resin mixed with pigment, which is applied to a surface while still warm. As it cools, it hardens almost immediately, allowing for multiple layers and textural effects. The medium’s durability and natural sheen have been appreciated from antiquity to the present day.
The process is to heat the pigments and medium using a hot plate. Once liquid , the pigment is layered onto a porous substrate using a natural bristle brush. (paper or wooden board). It is then fused with a heat gun or torch. This fusing allows the pigment to connect to the substrate and to the layers of color underneath. There is really no limit as to how many layers of color one can add.
Encaustic artworks require specific care. While they are resilient, direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can alter their appearance. Protecting these artworks involves a stable environment that avoids physical abrasions, while light-dusting with a cotton cloth keeps the surface clean and gives it luster. When properly cared for, encaustic pieces can last for centuries, as evident by historical examples.