Encaustic Painting, also known as “Hot Wax Painting”, involves adding colored pigments to heated beeswax and layering the wax to develop texture and give the painting depth. You will notice when you scroll through the gallery, that the various layers and different brushstrokes are what make these paintings come to life.
History of Encaustic Painting:
The word encaustic originates from the Greek word “enkau stikos” which means “to burn in”. It is this element of heat that is necessary for a painting to be called encaustic. The oldest surviving encaustic panel paintings are the Roman-Egyptian Fayum mummy portraits from the 1st Century B.C.
Marylou’s Method:
Marylou’s process begins with photographing wild animals. She works with the image to create a foundation for an encaustic painting then prints it on a porous surface, such as watercolor paper, that will absorb the wax as it is applied. She applies the beeswax in layers, each layer being fused with heat before another layer is added giving the painting depth. She continues to build and grow the piece until the final product is achieved.