Will an encaustic painting melt?
It would take intense direct heat to damage an encaustic painting, but subzero temperatures cause the wax to become brittle and can lead to cracking. Really you should not leave an encaustic painting in direct sunlight or intense cold, because extreme temperatures can damage any fine painting.
Can I touch the surface of an encaustic painting?
You should never touch the surface of a piece of fine art but if you do, make sure your hands are clean. I usually have other mediums worked into the painting or on the surface (oil pastel, oil paint) and touching could mar or damage the painting's surface.
What kind of finish do you use on an encaustic painting?
Depending on the piece, I may finish it with lacquer or apply no finish.
Why do you use beeswax instead of paraffin?
Beeswax is considered the best medium for the pigment. Paraffin is much cheaper than beeswax, but it can be brittle.
Where do you buy encaustic materials?
I order my encaustic pigment and beeswax from a small company in upstate New York, R&F Handmade Paints. I buy the filtered beeswax in granule form.
Can the hot wax be dangerous?
The wax is usually heated to about 225 degrees for painting. Since it can cause acute burns, I am careful not to get it on my skin. Wax heated above 250 degrees can produce toxic fumes, so I always work in a cross-ventilated space, and during summer use an exhaust fan.
Can the blowtorch start a fire on the wax?
Yes, what is called "wax condensate"—a concentration of fine wax particles that hover above heated wax—can ignite from the spark of a propane torch.
How many encaustic layers do you apply?
Depending on the mood and feel of the painting, I might apply two or three layers, or ten to twelve, or more.
Can you mix other mediums with the wax?
I don't mix other mediums in with the wax, though you could mix in oil pastel or oil paint for pigment. I often use the wax as a base and then apply other mediums in layers, often interspersed with layers of wax.
Where can I read more about encaustic painting?
The Art of Encaustic Painting, by Joanne Mattera, is a comprehensive book on encaustic painting techniques.
Do you teach workshops?
Rarely do I teach workshops - as I am a better painter than teacher. If you are in the Portland area, I reccomend Elise Wagner or Linda Womack. If you are not in the NW, try the International Encaustic Artists