Encaustic is a unique and ancient art medium that involves the use of melted beeswax mixed with pigments to create a rich and textured surface. The word "encaustic" is derived from the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to burn in," highlighting the essential step of fusing layers together with heat.
The process of working with encaustic begins with heating the beeswax to a liquid state. Pigments or colorants are then added to the molten wax, creating a vibrant and versatile palette. Artists typically apply the wax onto a rigid surface, often a wooden panel, using brushes, palette knives, or other tools.
One distinctive characteristic of encaustic is its ability to achieve a wide range of effects, from translucent glazes to thick impasto textures. Artists can layer the wax, embed objects, carve into the surface, or use a variety of techniques to manipulate the material. The layers are then fused together using heat, either through a heat gun, blowtorch, or an iron.
The process of fusing not only binds the layers but also gives encaustic its unique luminosity and depth. The wax cools quickly, capturing the brushstrokes and texture, resulting in a surface that can be polished to a smooth finish or left more tactile and expressive.