When you see an Encaustic painting, the first thing that will strike you, is the unique shine and brightness of its colours.The surface can be smooth or heavily textured, but that shine will always draw you in. It’s what made me fall in love with beeswax painting!

The term “Encaustic” is derived from the Greek word “enkaien” and means “to burn into”.
This procedure of applying molten, coloured wax to various surfaces was already used by the old Egyptians more than 3000 years ago – the resulting paintings of the mummy portraits are there for us to admire in the British Museum in London or in the National Museum in Cairo.
The technique was lost for hundreds of years, but rediscovered in the 18th century (see History). Nowadays the specially developed encaustic wax is applied to surfaces like paper, wood, glass etc. with a painting iron (not unlike your travel iron!) or the Encaustic Pen. You can use hotplates, heat-resistant sponges, palette knives etc. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Encaustic paintings seem to light from within – the colours are exceptionally bright, because the light does not get reflected from the surface of the painting, but penetrates the different wax layers.

If you would like to try this fascinating art form for yourself, sign up for any of the Courses near to you, but be forwarned: painting with beeswax is definitely addictive!
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