Pat O'Neill ....
..... taking you on an adventure into the world of encaustic art!
For some years I have dabbled in various art forms… drawing, water colours, acrylics but could never feel comfortable at all. Until I came across the word encaustic and my curiousity got the better of me!
Encaustic art?
What is it?
The name encaustic comes from the Greek for ” burnt in ” …..
It is claimed that the art of encaustic wax painting is at least over 2000 years old and that it was practised by the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Since it has lasted, in some cases, over 2000 years it is considered a very durable form of Art. Around the world there are examples of portraits which have been painted on wood.
Examples of encaustic tomb portraits from Roman Egypt bear witness to the durability of the medium, which is thought to have been widely used in ancient times. Pliny describes the process in which hot liquid colours were applied to the wall by means of heated irons. It is believed that the waxes used to be heated in containers over a charcoal fire until molten and then applied to the wood with brushes or perhaps heated spatulas.
Nowadays, artists have the use of modern technology and thus are able to produce beautiful works of art with the aid of electric tools.
True encaustic painting is produced through a process in which the coloured wax is permanently ‘burned’ into an absorbant backing such as plaster, canvas or some woods. However, today, the technique of laying wax on a non absorbant support is generally regarded as encaustic art.
The amazing attribute of using the molten wax is that whenever the hot implement such as an iron touches it, the wax will melt and thus can be re-worked. So, you can alter the image until you are satisfied.
The waxes can be of many types. However, they are usually specially formulated to provide art quality colours in a safe non toxic form which is designed to be used when melted. This wax melts at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or just over 60 degrees Centigrade. The most popular for the beginner is wax made into manageable blocks or sticks. Otherwise, wax can be melted with different pigments added according to requirements etc.
The main tool is the painting or encaustic iron. The base plate is used to smooth and texture the wax whilst the edge can be scraped or made to slide through the medium. Again, the tip of the iron can be used to draw in details. Encaustic art painting card is specially impregnated and enables the wax to slide around the surface without allowing too much absorbtion. The card resists heat damage and is tough and flexible.
Other tools can include an encaustic art stylus, scribing tools, hot air guns, hair dryers, warm plates. Whatever comes to hand!
Other supports can be used creating different effects such as wood, fabric, plastic or metal.
It is an exciting medium which is not difficult master and has limitless boundaries.
Only the imagination can stop you!
