Definition of Encaustic Painting

Encaustic oil painting is also known as Hot Wax Oil painting. Heated beeswax with color oil pigments are applied in layers to a prepared wood surface. Waxed paint can be shaped, lifted, or sculpted. Each layer is fused by applying heat with a heat gun, either gas or electric. Other materials, like print, photos, and solid objects, can be collaged into the surface. The word encaustic comes from a Greek word that means, “burned in.” The following examples of encaustic art are available for purchase.