Enkaustikos
Fayum Funeral Portraits
Fayum Funeral Portraits
Greek artists were painting with encaustic as long ago as the 5th century B.C. The word encaustic derives from the Greek word enkaustikos, meaning “to heat” or “to burn”.
Fayum Funeral Portraits
Fayum Funeral Portraits
Fayum Funeral Portraits
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Me with Encaustic Funeral Portraits at the
Boston Museum of Fine Art.
I paint with encaustic because of the Faiyûm mummy portraits in Egypt, which have survived over 2,000 years without cracking, flaking, or fading. 600 paintings discovered.
Wax, Resin, Pigments
Fayum Funeral Portraits
Wax, Resin, Pigments
Encaustic paint is U.S. Pharmaceutical Grade Beeswax, mixed with Singapore Damar Resin, and powdered pigments. My favorite paints are Enkaustikos and R&F Paints.
Encaustic on Wood
Ventilation is Required
Wax, Resin, Pigments
Encaustic needs a rigid and porous support. I paint on baltic birch cabinet grade plywood & use encaustic gesso.
Ventilation is Required
Ventilation is Required
Ventilation is Required
Beeswax becomes toxic at 250°F. A proper ventilation system is required. Creates formaldehyde and other carcinogenic vapors. I use a greenhouse fan hovered over my aluminum hot plate.
Encaustic is versatile.
Ventilation is Required
Ventilation is Required
Due to encaustic's archival and adhesive properties it can be used in various processes and with numerous mediums. Encaustic can not be used with Acrylics.
Book resources
The Mysterious Fayum Portraits: Faces from Ancient Egypt
Euphrosyne Doxiadis - this book is the reason I paint with encaustic
The Art of Encaustic Painting
Joanne Mattera - I taught myself encaustic with this is the book.
Encaustic Art: The complete guide to creating fine art with wax
Lissa Rankin- I highly recommend this book. It has everything you need to know about all the different techniques and mixed media processes.
The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques
Ralph Mayer - every artist should be informed on safe studio practice.
Encaustic Art in the 20th Century
Anne Lee and E. Ashley Rooney - So many encaustic artists featured in this book.