my encaustic art

Encaustics  is an ancient art form that involves fusing layers of oil tinted  beeswax together with heat and flame!  With each layer of wax, there is the opportunity to create texture and imagery through techniques such as collage, mark making, and ink drawing (to name a few).   Colours are used  simultaneously to add depth and beauty to the work.  Encaustics is a  unique medium which allows participants to explore their creativity  while effectively engaging the senses. It is both deeply therapeutic  while at the same promoting a sense of play.

Caring for your Encaustic Painting; Encaustic  will not melt until it reaches close to 180 degrees.  It does not like  extreme variations in temperature.  It is also best to not hang your  encaustic painting in direct sunlight for long periods of time, or next  to a fireplace.  

Encaustic  is extremely durable and will not fade or deteriorate, but the surface  can be scratched, gouged, or chipped if not handled with care.  

As  the beeswax cures it can develop a dull or whitish cast known as a  'bloom'.  This is simply the natural process of oils migrating to the  surface of the wax.  A gentle polish with a soft, lint free cotton cloth  will bring back the natural luminosity and shine of the piece.