Encaustic art, also popularly known as hot wax painting, is not a new form of art, as it originated from the Greeks in the 5th century BCE. As an artist or a beginner looking to learn this art form, you need to use beeswax mixed with colored pigments as the medium of expression on canvas to create richly textured and layered works of art. Click here to join the best Encaustic Painting Art class.
What is Encaustic Art?
Encaustic art is an interesting form of art in which the melted beeswax, resin, and pigments are mixed and then applied to a surface like canvas or wood, which you use as the base for creating your masterpiece. A heat source, like a blowtorch or heat gun, is used to fuse each wax layer after you have worked on it with your brushes or metal tools while it is still hot.
This art has always been popular because of its richness, texture, and brightness, displayed in your masterpiece. Start here if you want to enroll in the best online Encaustic Wax Art class!
Let us understand the Basic Techniques in Encaustic Wax Art
Technique 1: Layering and Fusing
Layering is the basic technique in encaustic painting. In this technique, you apply thin layers of wax and pigment and mix these layers with heat before adding the next layer. This process builds depth and creates a luminous effect as light penetrates and reflects through the layers of wax.
Technique 2: Embedding Objects
If you wish to embed precious materials that belong to you and hold value to you, like a piece of cloth, flowers, paper, etc., then you need to learn Encaustic wax art at artandsuccess.com. This technique adds texture and interest, transforming a two-dimensional piece into a multi-dimensional work of art.
Technique 3: Scraping and Incising
This technique is applied in encaustic painting once the wax cools. Once the surface is smooth, you can scrape or carve intricate designs to produce dramatic contrasts and textures.
Technique 4: Image Transfers
This technique involves transferring pictures onto the encaustic masterpiece that you are creating. The photo is placed face down on the wax, and heat is applied to transfer the ink onto the encaustic surface, allowing for detailed and precise imagery.
Exploring Different Styles in Encaustic Wax Art
- Realism:
The realism style of Encaustic wax art looks more like traditional oil paintings but with the added brightness, texture, and luminosity unique to wax.
- Abstract Art:
In this style of encaustic art, you learn to use different tools to manipulate the wax. What you create is spontaneous and intuitive, using various colors, textures, and forms.
- Mixed Media:
In this style, you learn to combine wax with other materials such as paper, fabric, and found objects, integrating them into the wax layers.
Know About the Advanced Techniques in Encaustic Wax Art
Advanced Technique 1: Shellac Burn
You learn to use and apply shellac over the wax surface and then create a crackled and dramatic effect using heat sources. The outcome is intricate patterns and textures with the shellac layer burnt off! If you need to know more, get in touch with Art and Success.
Advanced Technique 2: Pigment Sticks and Oil Paints:
You learn to use oil paints in your encaustic wax art. These can be used to add fine details or vibrant pops of color that stand out against the wax.
Advanced Technique 3: Encaustic Monoprints
When you enroll with artandsucess.com to learn encaustic painting art, under this technique, you learn to apply wax to a heated plate, manipulate it to create a design, and then press the paper onto the plate to transfer the wax image. The masterpiece you create is unpredictable and unique!
Wrap up!
Surely, you must have understood encaustic art and its vibrancy! It’s a dynamic and versatile form of art that offers endless possibilities for artistic expression. In the world of encaustic painting, you learn different styles and techniques that enable you to explore your creativity and develop your unique voice.
If you want the best encaustic wax art classes, click here.
