The term encaustic is derived from the Greek “enkaustikos” which means to heat or to burn, and the encaustic medium consists of beeswax mixed with resin to impart hardness. Using this mixture in a heated, liquefied state, artists can paint the liquid medium, embed various marks or materials, create a variety of textures, and mix it with colored pigments. Encaustic techniques date back to the 5th century BC when Greeks and Romans developed the process for waterproofing and also works of art.  This historical process has attracted attention of many contemporary artists with its rich luminous surfaces, challenging process, and sculptural properties. Encaustic is highly durable because wax is impervious to moisture and over time it will retain the freshness of a recently completed work. The process was notably used in the Fayum mummy portraits from Egypt around 100‐300 AD. In history, encaustic techniques lost favor to the egg tempera process used for religious icons during the Byzantine period. Later in the 18th century, artists began to experiment and revive the encaustic process that later influenced several 20th‐century American artists including Jasper Johns and Lynda Benglis. Encaustic art has seen a resurgence in popularity since the 1990s with artists using electric irons, hot-plates, electric stylus and heat guns on a variety of surfaces including paper, wood, Plexiglas, ceramic and plaster.

Encaustic paint cools within minutes that allows for additional layers that can be added immediately. Once the surface is cooled, the paint has reached a completed or finished state but can be revised and reworked at any time.

Care of Encaustic