About Encaustic
Encaustic paint is pigmented beeswax painted in a molten state. It is perhaps the most beautiful and versatile of all paints. The surface can be polished and glasslike, or it can be textured, layered and carved. It combines with oil, photography, sculpture and mixed media. There are countless ways to explore an artistic style of one's own.
Encaustic is an ancient Egyptian technique. The famous Fayum Mummy Encaustic Portraits, created 1st Century A.D., were placed over a mummy as a memorial, and had impressive facial features and details. The 20th century has seen a rebirth of encaustic. Portable electric hotplates have made the use of encaustic more accessible, and it is gaining popularity with artists around the world.The durability of encaustic is because beeswax is impervious to moisture. So they do not deteriorate, yellow, or darken.
Encaustic is different than traditional mediums, such as oil or acrylic, in that it is painted in layers. This results in a depth and luminous translucency that is unique to encaustic art. Painting with hotwax requires heating it to 180-200F, and then heat-fusing to your substrate using a hot gun, blow torch or an iron.
I was a public and private school educator for eight years and it gives me great pleasure to share my passion for encaustic with others!

Workshops
Private lesson- $250. Discounts available for groups! I can accommodate up to 3 people. Email
I am a teaching artist for R&F Paints and for the International Encaustic Artists Association.
Link to see various techniques that I teach
A typical beginners workshop includes demonstrations of transfers, stencils, collage, mark-making, mixed media, and heat fusing. Next, students experiment with techniques and materials. Try Pan pastels, R&F pigment sticks and more. Most students complete 1-2 paintings. I provide 3-4 wood panels and practice boards. (NOTE-I use an easy, fast photo transfer method and I will print your photos on my transfer paper for you.) Workshop is for beginner-intermediate.
Helpful Links/Resources:
SAFETY ventilation, proper temperatures, etc. This links to R&F's RESOURCES page.
INTERNATIONAL ENCAUSTIC ARTISTS
Suppliers:
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ENKAUSTIKOS (LOVE their special sets!)
How to care for an encaustic painting
Alison Fullerton Art social media:

