The Encaustic Process
What is encaustic Painting?Encaustic art is the use of heating and burning to incorporate elements into a piece of artwork. The encaustic process in the art world often refers to the process of heating beeswax and varnishes while working with continued heat to fuse together layers of wax art. Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, is a unique artistic medium created by combining white purified beeswax, natural damar tree sap resin, and pigment powder.
The process involves keeping this mixture molten on a heated palette and applying it to a chosen surface, which is then reheated to fuse the paint into a smooth and glossy finish resembling enamel. To create encaustic paint, the artist typically melts the beeswax in an electric pan and then adds ground demar resin crystals and pigment powder. This allows for personalized control over the opacity of the paint by adjusting the formula. Encaustic paint offers a versatile and intriguing way for artists to express their creativity and produce captivating visual effects. If you are interested in learning more about encaustic paint or how to make your own encaustic medium, you can take one of my online basket weaving courses where I teach encaustic infusion and layering. How I Incorporate the Encaustic Process into my BasketsI first discovered the encaustic process when I was seeking a way to bring more color to my basketry sculptures. Using natural beeswax, I am able to maintain the natural aesthetic while accentuating the uniqueness of each basket. Adding color with encaustic wax allows for greater detail and design in a way that enhances the woven structures. Beyond the color, the wax seals the materials and serves to protect the artwork to be a long-lasting piece.
However, my choice to work with encaustic goes beyond the practical aspects of color and preservation. Encaustic allows me to delve deeper into my artistic expression. The intensity, fluidity, and varied textures that can be achieved with this ancient medium are unparalleled. There is a sense of excitement and mystery in witnessing how a painting takes shape through the creative dance of layering, reheating, and manipulating the wax with mixed media. What truly inspires me is the unpredictable nature of the encaustic process itself, mirroring the unpredictability found in nature. It pushes me to explore and experiment, to discover new ways to bring my subjects to life. The encaustic medium becomes a partner in the creative journey, urging me to push its limits and explore the boundaries of what can be achieved. In the end, encaustic not only allows me to enhance the visual appeal of my basketry sculptures but also adds a layer of depth and meaning to my artwork. It becomes a bridge between the natural materials I work with and the world of color and texture that encaustic provides. This combination brings my creations to life in a way that is both visually striking and enduring over time. Find out more about Encaustic Art and see more examples here. Matt's Work:Over the years, I have experimented with many different techniques. I found the encaustic process early on and have been using it ever since to enhance and complement the baskets I weave.
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Encaustic wax covering handwoven kudzu baskets
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What inspires my encaustic painting process
My inspiration stems from a deep admiration for the wonders of nature and a profound belief in the power of artistic expression. I find immense joy and purpose in capturing the fleeting beauty and inimitable moments that nature generously offers. Through my art, I aim to evoke a sense of celebration, renewal, and hope, connecting the hearts of viewers to the enchanting world that surrounds us.
Seeking to create a profound emotional impact on those who observe my work, I carefully select imagery that resonates with my own feelings and experiences. Each brushstroke and color choice is infused with the intention of not only reflecting the aesthetics of nature, but also expressing the emotions and sensations it evokes within me. This authenticity is crucial, as I believe that without a personal connection to the subject matter, art loses its ability to inspire and touch the soul.
For me, the creative process goes beyond mere visual representation. It becomes a spiritual endeavor, a conduit through which I aim to convey the intrinsic beauty and harmony of the natural world. It is through this connection, this merging of artist and environment, that I hope to ignite a spark within each viewer, awakening their own appreciation for the profound interconnectedness of life.
Ultimately, my inspiration is rooted in the belief that art has the power to transcend mundane existence and transport us to a realm where joy, peace, and serenity coexist. By capturing and sharing the fleeting marvels of nature, I aspire to contribute to the collective awe and reverence for the world we inhabit, reminding us of our shared responsibility to cherish and protect it.
Seeking to create a profound emotional impact on those who observe my work, I carefully select imagery that resonates with my own feelings and experiences. Each brushstroke and color choice is infused with the intention of not only reflecting the aesthetics of nature, but also expressing the emotions and sensations it evokes within me. This authenticity is crucial, as I believe that without a personal connection to the subject matter, art loses its ability to inspire and touch the soul.
For me, the creative process goes beyond mere visual representation. It becomes a spiritual endeavor, a conduit through which I aim to convey the intrinsic beauty and harmony of the natural world. It is through this connection, this merging of artist and environment, that I hope to ignite a spark within each viewer, awakening their own appreciation for the profound interconnectedness of life.
Ultimately, my inspiration is rooted in the belief that art has the power to transcend mundane existence and transport us to a realm where joy, peace, and serenity coexist. By capturing and sharing the fleeting marvels of nature, I aspire to contribute to the collective awe and reverence for the world we inhabit, reminding us of our shared responsibility to cherish and protect it.
How do you paint with wax?
When painting with wax, the process begins by pouring encaustic paint into metal containers. These containers are then placed on a hot pancake griddle, ensuring the paint remains in a molten state. Utilizing stiff-haired brushes, the artist applies the melted paint onto a sturdy wooden surface. However, due to the coolness of the wood, the paint quickly solidifies. To maintain its workability, the artist must reheat it using a blowtorch or heat gun. This repeated heating-and-applying method allows for the creation of a stunning enamel-like finish.
To enhance the visual appeal, the artist blends oils with the encaustic medium. This mixture imparts a luminous and sensual quality to the artwork. Armed with a blowtorch and driven by their creative intuition, the artist employs various techniques such as gouging, scraping, burning, and dripping the wax onto the surface to fashion impressionistic landscapes, waterways, and other natural scenes. Moreover, to further enrich the texture and design, the artist incorporates diverse materials like oils, pastels, china marker, pigmented shellac, and found objects. This amalgamation of elements adds a distinct tactile quality and unique visual composition to the paintings.
To enhance the visual appeal, the artist blends oils with the encaustic medium. This mixture imparts a luminous and sensual quality to the artwork. Armed with a blowtorch and driven by their creative intuition, the artist employs various techniques such as gouging, scraping, burning, and dripping the wax onto the surface to fashion impressionistic landscapes, waterways, and other natural scenes. Moreover, to further enrich the texture and design, the artist incorporates diverse materials like oils, pastels, china marker, pigmented shellac, and found objects. This amalgamation of elements adds a distinct tactile quality and unique visual composition to the paintings.