What Is Encaustic Painting

Art and Success - Pamela Caughey's Podcast

What is encaustic painting? It is an ancient art form that uses heated beeswax mixed with colored pigments to create vibrant, textured artwork. Originating over 2,000 years ago, encaustic painting was first used by the Greeks for ship decoration and later for the famous Fayum mummy portraits. The technique involves melting the pigmented wax and applying it to a surface, typically wood or canvas.
Each layer is fused with heat using tools like torches or heat guns, creating a durable, luminous finish. Artists can carve into the wax, embed objects, or layer translucent colors for unique effects. The result is a versatile medium that combines painting, sculpture, and mixed media. What is encaustic painting today? It’s a rediscovered art form loved by modern artists for its rich textures, vibrant colors, and endless creative possibilities, blending tradition with contemporary innovation.