Elizabeth Encaustics

Encaustic Painting – Art made with Beeswax

Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, is a form of painting that involves a heated wax medium to which colored pigments have been added. The molten mix is applied to a surface—usually prepared wood. Adding layers of wax and pigment create the feeling of depth and luminosity. Examples of Encaustic work have survived since ancient Egyptian times. To care for your encaustic painting only requires that you avoid extremes of temperature. As the wax cures (over the first 6-12 months) it may develop a hazy white residue. This can easily be removed by buffing the surface of the painting. Buff to a high gloss using a soft lint-free cloth.