Encaustic painting is an ancient method of painting dating to 800 BC. One uses wax which is pigmented with an oil base color. The wax is melted, then painted onto a hard surface. It is applied in layers, fusing each layer with a heat gun. The versatility of this medium is astounding. One can paint in a traditional form and as the wax builds up, the piece develops a soft luminance look. One can also add texture, infuse other things into the wax, transfer images, sculpt the wax into three dimensional form, and basically run wild with the imagination.
