“Adding the elements, firing with the flame of a torch,
watching the beeswax and pigment combine.
Adding, smoothing, and heating, again and again.”
History
Painting with wax is one of the world’s oldest art forms. Encaustic art can be traced back to Ancient Greece where seafarers protected and adorned their ships and Grecian artists painted and sculpted with pigmented wax.
After the conquest of Alexander in 323 BC many Grecians migrated to Egypt followed by Roman citizenry, each culture bringing their unique art forms. This fusion of Greek, Egyptian and Roman cultures, and their artistic and ethnic influence are evidenced in the Egyptian Fayum portraits; 2,000-year-old Encaustic paintings that are still, today, remarkably preserved. Now there is a resurgence of enthusiasm and interest in this ancient and natural medium.
Encaustic art responds to our quest to balance our high-tech society with a connection to the natural world; to cherish and preserve an ancient art form, and to create significant and lasting contemporary art in homage to the artists who came before.
The Process
The complex and labor-intensive method of painting with beeswax and fire follows a similar process. Melt beeswax mixed with earth pigments and a natural resin called Damar. Paint and lightly fuse with the flame of a torch.
There can be 50+ layers of beeswax in every Encaustic painting. Each layer of wax is fused into the layer beneath it. The Encaustic surface can be smoothed and polished to a high gloss or left textured; rough yet refined. It can be cast and sculpted, combined with oil and pastel, or left in its natural hue. There are no limits to the freedom and expression of Encaustic painting.
Some Encaustic artists aspire to a glass-smooth surface which is nearly impossible to achieve. Other encaustic artists achieve a rough and textured surface by painting with warm beeswax that is the consistency of butter, then lightly fusing without melting. Both methods are beautiful, each in their own way. As you continue to discover this ancient medium and its methods you will treasure every mark, ripple and bubble in your original Encaustic painting.
Preparation
Attention to detail is signature to my work. I am confident my paintings are archival.
I strive for a smooth glass surface. It requires sourcing the highest all-natural materials and meticulous prep of the birch panels. I spare no expense.
The birch panels are crafted in Quebec from the highest-grade Russian Baltic birch. Preparing the panels is key to the outcome of my finished work and requires several additional days in the studio. Before I begin painting, I mask, gesso, sand, then paint and fuse 3-5 layers of clear encaustic medium.
These extra steps create a light reflective background that comes through the final painting. The gesso seals the wood from leaching oil helping to eliminate bubbles.
My prep work is concealed. It creates a precious feeling for me, a sense of value and worth. It speaks to the impeccability and reverence I infuse in each painting.
Palette
The palette is the underpinning of how the painting will evolve. My palette suggests sublime harmony that is perceived as Peace. It defines my work. I paint in all shades of white, neutral rock and sand earth-tones, and the blues, greens, and teals of water. In the simplicity of minimal color and distilled composition levels of complexity are revealed.
Painting
Inspired by Nature and imbued with mysticism I paint without any degree of exactness along the spectrum of impressionism to abstract. Nature’s rhythmic fluidity and steadfast consistency guide my work. There is a silent understatement and natural grace to my artist hand.
Back and Sides
The backs of my paintings are sanded clean of fingerprints and wax with respect of your home and what you place on your walls. It speaks to the impeccability and reverence I infuse in each work. I finish the sides with multiple layers of hand-rubbed gilder’s paste.
Certificate of Authenticity
Attached to the back of the painting is the signed and dated Certificate of Authenticity. Enclosed with each painting is also the Certificate of Authenticity folio for your insurance files.
Care
Like all fine art paintings, Encaustic art is durable, archival, and created to last; even so, it requires common-sense care to protect and preserve its beauty. And, if handled roughly, it can be scratched, gouged, or chipped.
Beeswax is one of Nature’s best preservatives. It is impervious to moisture and will not yellow or darken with time. However, it is sensitive to extreme heat and cold and is best kept at normal room temperatures.
A small amount of the natural tree resin called Damar is added to the beeswax making it a very durable paint medium. Damar raises the melting temperature and increases the hardness of beeswax.
It is customary for Encaustic artworks to be left unframed; however, a floating frame is a beautiful option to protect your painting while leaving the unique interest of the edges exposed. Encaustic art should not be framed under glass or acrylic which can damage the surface and conceal the translucent beauty of the many layers.
Encaustic art will completely cure within 12 months, becoming ever clearer and more translucent. During the curing process, the artwork may appear cloudy or matte. This is a natural byproduct of the release of lipids in the wax called bloom and is not a defect. If your painting appears dull, simply buff the cool surface in a circular motion with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to restore its luster. After the painting is fully cured it will retain its natural high-gloss finish.
