Encaustic is essentially painting with beeswax
The medium is a mixture of beeswax and damar resin (crystallized tree sap). I often use it as a base on wood canvas then add oil pigments. Color can be added directly to the melted medium or on top of cooled medium.
Sometimes I’ll start with a photo or watercolor painting adhered to the wood, then cover it with medium. Other pieces are painted with pigmented wax or oil pastel. Layers of the wax are then fused to the surface with a heat gun or blow torch.
The layers of wax build luminous surfaces that pull viewers into the art. Each piece evolves through heat, repetition, and revision, allowing texture and history to remain visible.
Encaustic art needs about the same care as any other fine art paintings. Do not leave them in direct sunlight, near sharp objects, or close to a high heat source. The wax begins to soften around 140F degrees.
My work is sold through Etsy and occasionally at local events in northeast Ohio.