Recent works from 2016
Breakwater I, Encaustic and mixed media on panel, NMG
Sold to private collector
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Breakwater II, Encaustic and mixed media on panel, NMG Sold to private collector
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ENCAUSTIC GALLERY click on images to enlarge
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Archived Images: Sold and placed in permanent collections
All About Encaustics
What is Encaustic?
Encaustic is both a paint medium and a
technique; the medium is a wax-based paint consisting of beeswax, damar resin
and pigment. The technique involves heating the wax to a melted state and
applying it to a support, ensuring the layers are fused with heat. The paint is
manipulated with metal or heated tools, such as irons, hot air guns and metal
spatulas and brushes.
Encaustic is one of the oldest painting
techniques, dating back to the 4th c. B.C. The technique was used in the Fayum
mummy portraits from Egypt, in early icons, and in many works of 20th century
American artists, including Jasper Johns.
Caring for Your Encaustic Painting
Encaustic paintings are extremely durable
due to the fact that beeswax seals out air and moisture, and filters out a large
portion of UV light. The paintings have a gorgeous translucency and brilliance
of color, and will not deteriorate, yellow or
darken.
Will It Melt?
Over time, due to the resin added to the
wax, encaustic cures and the surface hardens. Under normal temperatures, the
painting will remain stable. Like all fine art, it is best not to expose it to
direct sunlight or excessive heat — avoid temperatures below 35 degrees
fahrenheit or above 120 degrees. It is safe to drive it home from the gallery,
but probably not wise to leave it in your car for any length of time, especially
on either a hot or a cold day.
Can I Touch It?
The surface of encaustic is somewhat like a
candle so it can be scratched but don’t be afraid to touch it. Although the
surface is completely dry, encaustic paintings can be scratched, gouged, or
chipped if handled roughly and should be treated carefully as you would all
pieces of fine art. When moving the painting, do protect the surface and edges.
Cleaning and Buffing
As the wax cures, an encaustic painting may develop a film on the surface. This is
a natural process called “bloom” and is easily removed, along with shallow
scratches, by wiping the surface with a soft cloth. Once a year, give it a
gentle dusting or buffing with a lint free soft cotton cloth to maintain the
unique patina of the wax.
Encaustic is both a paint medium and a
technique; the medium is a wax-based paint consisting of beeswax, damar resin
and pigment. The technique involves heating the wax to a melted state and
applying it to a support, ensuring the layers are fused with heat. The paint is
manipulated with metal or heated tools, such as irons, hot air guns and metal
spatulas and brushes.
Encaustic is one of the oldest painting
techniques, dating back to the 4th c. B.C. The technique was used in the Fayum
mummy portraits from Egypt, in early icons, and in many works of 20th century
American artists, including Jasper Johns.
Caring for Your Encaustic Painting
Encaustic paintings are extremely durable
due to the fact that beeswax seals out air and moisture, and filters out a large
portion of UV light. The paintings have a gorgeous translucency and brilliance
of color, and will not deteriorate, yellow or
darken.
Will It Melt?
Over time, due to the resin added to the
wax, encaustic cures and the surface hardens. Under normal temperatures, the
painting will remain stable. Like all fine art, it is best not to expose it to
direct sunlight or excessive heat — avoid temperatures below 35 degrees
fahrenheit or above 120 degrees. It is safe to drive it home from the gallery,
but probably not wise to leave it in your car for any length of time, especially
on either a hot or a cold day.
Can I Touch It?
The surface of encaustic is somewhat like a
candle so it can be scratched but don’t be afraid to touch it. Although the
surface is completely dry, encaustic paintings can be scratched, gouged, or
chipped if handled roughly and should be treated carefully as you would all
pieces of fine art. When moving the painting, do protect the surface and edges.
Cleaning and Buffing
As the wax cures, an encaustic painting may develop a film on the surface. This is
a natural process called “bloom” and is easily removed, along with shallow
scratches, by wiping the surface with a soft cloth. Once a year, give it a
gentle dusting or buffing with a lint free soft cotton cloth to maintain the
unique patina of the wax.
Paintings, Encaustics, Artist Books, and Mixed Media works created by Linda Bigness, Visual Artist, Copyright 2020..
All rights reserved by Studio 245 and Representatives of the Artist.
Copying, duplication, and downloading, for purposes of distribution of artwork, is not allowed.
All rights reserved by Studio 245 and Representatives of the Artist.
Copying, duplication, and downloading, for purposes of distribution of artwork, is not allowed.