Encaustic Painting Presentation

By: Cheyne & Joe

Encaustic painting is also known as hot wax painting and has been practiced since 300 AD Egypt.

To make an encaustic painting first a proper surface should be obtained that will not react under heat. Example would be metal,wood,canvas and watercolor paper. There are many more surfaces with specials gessoes so that the heat from the wax does not affect the chemical composition. After choosing the proper surface one should make sure that you have obtained beeswax,pigments and a hardener. If you cannot find pigments and a hardener you can use oil paint. The first step is to apply the beeswax on the surface in a even layer. After that you can apply another layer if wanted. Then add your pigment mixture or oil paint. Once on the wax use a heat source over the pigment and then blend with a paint brush. Once blended or painted let the wax and paint dry and then paint over with another coat of wax to seal the surface. Usually one or more surface coats will help depending on how much paint that you apply. Here is some links and picture to give an idea of what is needed and what an encaustic piece of artwork looks like. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHt-x0yIVXg

www.youtube.com/watch?v=skYEjVnHUA0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWz9anfQiZE