What is Encaustic Art?
Encaustic is a beeswax based paint that is kept molten on a heated palette. It is applied to a surface where it is reheated in order to fuse the paint into a uniform enamel-like finish. The word Encaustic comes from Greek and means to burn in, which refers to the process of fusing the paint. Encaustic is perhaps the most beautiful of all artists’ paints, and it is as versatile as any 20th centruy medium. It can be polished to a high gloss, it can be modeled, sculpted, textured, and combined with collage materials. It cools immediately, so that there is no drying time, yet it can always be reworked. Encaustic is also the most durable artists’ paint. This is due to the fact that beeswax is impervious to moisture. Because of this it will not deteriorate, it will not yellow, and it will not darken. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass. Encaustic paint has no toxic fumes, nor does it require the use of solvents. As a result, a number of health hazards are re
