Encaustic paintings are created by heating a mixture of beeswax, pigment, and damar resin (added to create a hard, durable surface) to 190 degrees. The molten, colorful wax mixture is then applied with a paint brush. I build up layer upon layer of paint, fusing each layer to the one beneath it with a blowtorch, and then carving into and scraping away the wax. I often use pottery tools to create texture and patterns in my paintings, bringing me back full circle to my favorite childhood pastime of throwing pottery on a wheel. The layering and mark-making invite the viewer to look closely and spend a little time with the piece, hopefully providing them with the same sense of calm that creating the art provided me.
Encaustic paintings are durable and archival. Beeswax is impervious to moisture, making it suitable for any room in your home. Unlike oil paintings, they will not yellow or darken with time. Encaustic painting is an ancient art, and paintings have retained their vibrant colors after thousands of years. Encaustic paintings do not require special care but, like all fine art, should not be placed in strong, direct sunlight (such as directly under a skylight). They are perfectly safe in rooms that receive substantial natural sunlight.