What is Encaustic-Wax?

Hand made Encaustic-wax - clear & coloured mediums, with tools & equipment set up.

Encaustic is one of the oldest painting techniques, dating back to the 4th Century BC. The technique was used in the Fayum mummy portraits from Egypt and in early icons. Encaustic Wax also harkens back to the days of Trojan ships when they would coat the exterior of their ships with encaustic paintings in order to not only decorate their transportation, but to seal the ship against the harsh sea elements.

This art form has seen a resurgence in recent years with the influence of 20th century American artists including Jasper Johns and the desire of artists’ and craftsperson’s worldwide to explore versatility and mixed media potential in their artwork.

​Encaustic is both a paint medium and a technique; the medium is a wax based paint originally consisting of beeswax, dammar resin and colour pigment. The technique involves heating the wax to a melted state and applying it to a support, ensuring the layers are fused with heat. The paint is manipulated with metal or heated tools, such as irons, hot air guns, and metal spatulas and brushes

Printing from an anodised aluminium hotplate after various wax is applied.

Sea Jewels detail showing waxy surface textures.