Encaustic wax painting is fun!

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Encaustic is an ancient painting technique which comes from the Greek word meaning “to heat or burn in” (enkaustikos) however the modern revival of this only came about due to the availability of hot electrical tools, and particularly the hot iron, which is the main implement used to paint with.

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The application of the wax is free-flowing and a very relaxing and meditative process. Remarkable effects can be produced by it. One of the main techniques used in this painting process is called ‘scrying’ whereby the flow of the molten wax will determine the direction of the painting based on forms created. However, the artist is still, always in charge.

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I melt the wax blocks directly onto the hot iron to produce molten flows of colour which I apply straight onto the sealed card. this then dries, almost immediately, into very vibrant, yet translucent images. These can be reworked at any time with the simple application of the hot iron or stylus tool, which re-melts the wax, letting it flow into new forms and shapes. The wax can also be wiped off, while it is still hot, to produce hazy effects of sky or water.

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Coloured wax is applied directly to specially heat-sealed card using a ‘painting iron.’ Detail can be added by using the hot pen (with a nib to suck up the wax) known as a stylus.

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Alternatively, the wax blocks can be melted directly onto the painting card by placing it on a hotplate which melts it as it is applied. This produces totally different effects again from either the iron or stylus work. In fact, like any painting medium, there are numerous ways to apply the wax, however, the key here, is that it is always in a molten state when applied.

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