Are you considering exploring encaustics? Here are five tips to get you started!
What are Encaustics?
Encaustic paints represent a distinctive art form that has been utilized for many ages. Made from beeswax, damar resin, and colorants, these waxy paints get their name from the Greek term “enkaustikos,” which translates to “to burn in.” Artists apply encaustics onto surfaces while they are still in liquid form and then fuse them through reheating — an age-old method that goes back thousands of years to ancient Greece & Rome. The durability of encaustic paints, along with their heightened resistance to moisture, is commendable; however, they can also be fragile and susceptible to cracking based on application techniques. Due to this, encaustic usage requires a sturdy surface. When applied correctly, these paints can endure for a tremendously long period. Some of the most ancient existing artworks were crafted using encaustics!
What are the Benefits of Encaustics?
Encaustic paint offers a flexible medium that can be employed in numerous ways. It can be layered, scraped, textured, and polished to produce a variety of effects. The wax medium is also quite forgiving, enabling artists to revise areas they find unsatisfactory. It is exceptional for crafting unique textures and effects, which may be challenging with conventional oils — and they dry considerably quicker than oils!
Encaustic mixed-media artwork is a distinctive and expressive way to manifest your creativity! With encaustics as your foundational layer, you can incorporate additional mediums such as oil, acrylic, and pastel for a captivating array of effects. The essence lies in experimentation, discovering what suits you best, and remaining open to new findings.
Five Key Tools for Getting Started
1- Encaustic Starter Kit
Investing in a starter kit like this provides an excellent opportunity to explore the medium while eliminating uncertainties about specific paints, mediums, and surfaces. This 14-piece set includes 40ml encaustic cakes, brushes, mediums, and boards — everything required to initiate your encaustic painting journey.
2- Heat Sources
A heating tool can be used to melt your paints in the tins included in the starter kit. Just ensure it heats uniformly and provides reliable temperature control between 180 F and 220 F. It’s also beneficial to have a heat gun handy to soften and rework portions of your artwork. The R&F Variable Temperature Heat Gun is a tool that can fuse encaustic paintings without making contact with the surface. It boasts dual fan speeds and an adjustable temperature setting that ranges from 250 degrees to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
3- How to Make Encaustic Art: A Comprehensive Guide to Painting with Wax
This guide by Birgit Hüttemann-Holz serves as a pathway to the ancient technique of hot-wax painting. It addresses the fundamentals of materials and supplies, encaustic mediums, colorants, and appropriate surfaces like canvas or textured substrates. The book also incorporates illustrative photographs showcasing a wide range of encaustic techniques: scraping, relief imprinting, accretion, working with palette knives, collages, and even enhancements with metal leaf or natural materials.
4- Texture Creation Tools
Encaustic mediums are especially suited to creating texture; thus, this is an excellent chance to utilize any scraping and sculpting tools in your possession. An affordable six-piece set like this is perfect for experimenting with the medium and exploring its potential.
5- Air Flow
Encaustic painting can emit fumes that may be hazardous when inhaled. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated. Window fans like these are a great start, but it is crucial to thoroughly understand the significance of ventilation and the correct configuration in your studio. More detailed information can be found in this guide provided by RF Paints.
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Meet the Artist
Scott Maier is an artist, educator, and a contributor to artistsnetwork.com. He teaches at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and has authored an instructional art book .
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