For those who do not know, encaustic painting medium is a spontaneous art form in which you can paint wood panels with heated wax. It has been growing in popularity. Usually applied in layers to achieve varying degrees of transparency or opaqueness, you can blend it with colored wax or collage elements (such as paper or pictures).
Renowned for its vivid hues, sumptuous textures, and classic charm, encaustic painting provides artists with an adaptable medium for artistic expression. Painting encaustic may be a thrilling and fulfilling endeavour for any artist, experienced or not, who is willing to try something new. Let’s explore the fascinating world of encaustic painting art in this beginner’s guide.
About Encaustic Painting Art
Paintings created using melted wax are referred to as encaustic painting art. The original application of this centuries-old painting style was portraiture. Because of its vibrant colours, transparency, and durability, encaustic painting saw a rebirth in prominence in the 20th century. Using this method, encaustic painters may produce an incredible variety of mixed-media effects these days.
A brush is typically used to apply encaustic. It can be fused with a blowtorch, dripped on, sliced, and shaped with tools while it cools. Artists can also employ various melting and layering techniques to conceal items inside the substance. Particularly frequently, writing, sketches, and images are included between encaustic layers.
How To Get Started?
Entering the world of encaustic painting medium may initially appear intimidating to novices, but with the correct support and tools, it can be a fulfilling process of exploration. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
Gather all the materials in one place: You’ll need beeswax, damar resin, pigments, brushes, a heat source (like a hot plate or heat gun), and substrates (like canvas or wood panels) to start.
Prepare your workspace: A room with sufficient ventilation and a heat source to melt the wax is necessary for it. To prevent breathing in fumes, make sure your workspace is clear of combustible materials and has enough ventilation.
Prepare your surface: To make your selected surface smooth and absorbent for the wax to stick to, use layers of encaustic gesso or rabbit skin glue.
Try new things and explore: Now that your supplies are ready, let’s start painting! Try out different layering, mixing, and scraping techniques to produce distinctive textures and effects. Accept spontaneity and follow your creativity without fear.
Tips and Techniques
Follow these tips when working on encaustic painting art:
Fusing layers together:
An essential method in encaustic work is fusing. The process of fusing involves heating an encaustic layer until it merges with another layer. The encaustic layers can be fused with a blowtorch or heat gun.
Microcrystalline wax:
Sometimes encaustic is mixed with microcrystalline wax to create a less expensive wax paint than pure beeswax. Although it is made of petroleum, this wax functions similarly to beeswax. It is less expensive than beeswax which is 100% pure. Traditional beeswax encaustic will continue to act and smell the same even if 50% microcrystalline wax is added.
Embed:
Incorporate images, sketches, prints, tiny items, and other mixed media into your encaustic painting. To create ethereal effects, hide media in between layers of encaustic.
Include oil colors:
To change the color of the encaustic, apply oil paint. You can experiment with creating different hues by melting little amounts of oil paint into your encaustic. You might also attempt coloring transparent or white encaustic with oil paint. Encaustic wax and acrylic paint are incompatible.
Ventilate:
Just like with traditional oil painting, always use encaustic in a well-ventilated environment to reduce the risk of fumes!
As you proceed in the realm of painting encaustic, remember to bring your unique artistic style to the table. The expression is not limited to the wax media. Letting your style come through the layers of wax and rise to the surface so that everyone can see it is the true magic of encaustics.
Closing thoughts
Encaustic painting medium is enthralling and provides individuals with an exceptional and fulfilling creative experience. Through the exploration of the painting encaustic media, artists can unleash a plethora of creative and self-expression opportunities. Are you prepared to start painting with encaustic mediums?
Explore the extensive courses at Art and Success to explore the world of encaustic painting. Their knowledgeable instructors will walk you through the process of encaustic and help you release your creativity, regardless of your level of experience. Discover the transforming potential of encaustic painting with them today!
