Encaustic is an ancient medium consisting of beeswax, pigment, and resin. Melted together, the medium is applied to a surface and fused (heated, which will help stabilize the medium later) to create a luminous and tactile surface.

The encaustic medium is not only beautiful because of its inherent luster, but it is one of the most durable of all artists' paints, since wax is impervious to moisture.

The history of encaustic includes paintings on the sides of Greek and Roman ships, Pompeian frescos, as well as the Egyptian Fayum portraits (used to decorate sarcophagi) dating back to 150 A.D. Many of these examples are around today and have held up beautifully over time.

In the 1950s, modern master Jasper Johns used the medium to create his iconic flag and target paintings. Today, contemporary artists are discovering the versatility of this unique medium. While the process can be arduous, the results are truly rewarding.

The encaustic process begins with wax (primarily beeswax with small amounts of resin - a natural painting material), which is melted on a heated metal palette or hot plate and then brushed, dripped, or poured onto a substrate of canvas, paper, or wood. Heated palette knives or irons can then be used to manipulate and fuse the wax. Fusing creates a stable surface that cools in minutes, allowing for more layers to be added if desired.

My personal process consists of brushing or pouring on countless layers of wax, and may include scraping away or carving into the wax, inscribing text or marks, placing images between layers of wax, as well as painting and drawing on top of the layers with oil paints or oilbars.

Encaustic paintings are completely safe under normal temperatures. Only direct heat or temperatures in excess of 130 degrees may began to soften the work. Indirect sunlight is perfectly fine, however, direct sunlight is not ideal for paintings of any medium. Encaustics can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth such as cotton.