Wonderful World of Wax

 1. Why paint in a process-intensive medium that's over 2000 years old?

This is rarely asked. That answer is a given: luminosity, rich surface, the

beauty of the wax.

2.    What is Encaustic ?

  In its simplest form it involves  melting bees wax with a resin. The resin, usually Damar  resin, adds strength to the wax.  Each layer

is brushed while molten and then fused with a heat gun, torch or iron.

4.     In what form does pigmented encaustic come in?

Depending on the brand, it differs. However, at the well known R&F

encaustic company it comes in bar like forms, as pictured.

5.    What are contemporary artists creating in encaustic?

See the wonderful examples below.

3.     From Where did Encaustic  originate?

Encaustic is an ancient form of painting from the Greeks.

 It means to burn or burn into. 

This technique was notably used in the

 Fayum portraits from Egypt

around 100–300 AD, and other early icons.