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. 

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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.

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"Losing control is what I love about encaustic."

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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. 

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