Short Info & History
Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, is a method of creating artworks using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The word "encaustic" comes from the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to heat or burn." This technique was popular in ancient Greek and Roman painting.
The Roman scholar Pliny the Elder described the encaustic painting technique in his first-century book Natural History. The Egyptian Romano-Egyptian Fayum mummy portraits, painted between 100 - 300 AD, are the oldest encaustic panel paintings still in existence. Notable artists who have used this medium include Jasper Johns, Pausias, and Benjamin Calau.
Encaustic painting dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It involves mixing heated beeswax with colored pigments and applying the mixture to a surface, typically wood or canvas. The technique allows artists to achieve vibrant colors and textured surfaces. Encaustic painting was highly regarded in ancient times for its durability and luminous qualities. The Fayum mummy portraits, which are some of the oldest surviving encaustic paintings, showcase the skill and artistry of ancient painters. These portraits were created to honor the deceased and were often placed over the faces of mummies.
Composition
The basic encaustic medium is created by blending colors with waxes such as beeswax and damar resin. Dried powdered pigments can be used for pigmentation, while some artists prefer to use colored wax, inks, oil paints, or other forms of pigmentation. Beeswax is the primary ingredient in encaustic painting, providing a smooth and flexible medium. Damar resin, a natural tree sap, is often added to the beeswax to increase its hardness and shine. This combination of beeswax and damar resin creates a durable and glossy finish. Artists can also experiment with other types of waxes, such as carnauba wax or paraffin wax, to achieve different effects. Pigments used in encaustic painting can vary widely, from traditional mineral-based pigments to modern synthetic dyes. Artists can create their own encaustic paint by melting the wax and adding the desired pigments.
Specific Properties
Encaustic painting can be done on prepared wood, plaster, or canvas. Ideally, encaustic wax should be painted on a solid but porous surface that allows it to penetrate and create a stable foundation for the artwork. The encaustic medium is unique in that it remains workable and malleable as long as it is kept warm. This allows artists to manipulate the wax with various tools, such as brushes, knives, and heat guns, to create intricate textures and details. When the wax cools and hardens, it forms a protective layer that preserves the artwork. The durability of encaustic paintings makes them resistant to moisture and fading, ensuring that they can last for centuries.
Key Features
Encaustic wax shares many qualities with oil paints, providing a glossy and appealing effect with a wide range of possibilities for elegant and expressive artworks. The thermally malleable nature of encaustic wax allows it to be sculpted, layered, or coated, providing a dimensional quality and luminous color. Encaustic painting offers artists a versatile medium that can be used to create both realistic and abstract works. The rich colors and smooth textures achievable with encaustic wax make it an ideal medium for creating vibrant and detailed compositions. Artists can build up layers of wax to create depth and dimension or carve into the wax to reveal underlying layers and create intricate patterns. The ability to reheat and rework the wax also allows for endless experimentation and creativity. Although encaustic wax has similar properties to oil paint, it dries much faster, preventing the colors from bleeding into one another. This quick drying time allows artists to work efficiently and build up layers without waiting for extended periods.
Surface or Media
Traditionally, wooden panels were the primary surface for tempera painting, but today, uncured Masonite or medium-density fiberboard can also be utilized. Additionally, some artists use thick, heavy paper for encaustic painting. The choice of surface can affect the final appearance and durability of the artwork. Wooden panels provide a sturdy and smooth surface that allows for precise application of the wax. Masonite and medium-density fiberboard are also popular choices because they are affordable and readily available. Heavy paper can be used for smaller works or experimental pieces, but it should be properly prepared to prevent warping or damage from the heat.
Other Specialities
Encaustic paint has the consistency of translucent clay. When heated, it can be applied like liquid paint, but it solidifies when it cools, allowing artists to cut, carve, stamp, or sculpt the paint, giving the artwork a 3D effect. The versatility of encaustic paint allows artists to explore various techniques and effects. By layering and sculpting the wax, artists can create textured surfaces that add depth and dimension to their works. The wax can be applied in thick, impasto layers or thin, translucent washes, allowing for a wide range of visual effects. Encaustic painting can also be combined with other mediums, such as oil paints, pastels, and collage materials, to create mixed-media artworks. Encaustic paintings require specific conditions and care. For example, the paint needs to be fused and bound with a heat lamp or heat gun. Encaustic paintings should be kept at a stable temperature, avoiding direct sunlight. They should be routinely buffed within 6 - 12 months using soft lint-free cloths like pantyhose. Proper care and maintenance ensure the longevity and preservation of encaustic artworks. Regular buffing helps to maintain the shine and luster of the wax surface, while avoiding extreme temperatures and direct sunlight prevents damage and fading.
Toxicity and Vegan-Friendly Considerations
Encaustic paints are generally safe to use, as they are made from wax as a binder and color pigments as a binding agent. Encaustic paint can be vegan-friendly if acrylic wax is used as the binder. However, beeswax, being animal-extracted, is not suitable for vegan products. There are alternative waxes available, such as soy wax or carnauba wax, that can be used in place of beeswax to create vegan-friendly encaustic paints. These waxes provide similar properties and allow artists to create beautiful and sustainable artworks. It is essential to choose pigments that are free from animal-derived ingredients to ensure that the entire painting process is vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Encaustic painting offers artists a unique and versatile medium that combines the qualities of oil paint with the added dimensionality of sculptable wax. The rich history and diverse techniques of encaustic painting continue to inspire artists to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of their creativity. Proper care and maintenance ensure the longevity and preservation of encaustic artworks. Regular buffing helps to maintain the shine and luster of the wax surface, while avoiding extreme temperatures and direct sunlight prevents damage and fading.
GranNino offers free hot wax painting hosting or storing via its application. You can learn more about their services and explore the offerings on GranNino. This platform provides artists with unlimited storage, online art galleries, and social features to connect with other artists and art lovers.
Leave a Reply