Step 2:

Create your encaustic medium. Melt some beeswax, throw in some damar resin, and baby, you’ve got a stew going! A very hot, very sticky stew that you should absolutely not eat. Trust me on this one. 

Remember, keeping the wax at the right temperature is crucial. If you overheat it to more than 80°C, the beeswax can break down, becoming brittle and losing its flexibility. This can result in cracks, discoloration, and even ruin your artwork. So, keep a close eye on your thermometer!

Now comes the fun part – actually painting! Except it’s less like painting and more like a high-stakes game of “how fast can you move before the wax cools?” It’s exhilarating, it’s frustrating, it’s… okay, sometimes it’s a total disaster. I once created a piece that was supposed to be a serene landscape but ended up looking like a wax factory exploded. Abstract art, anyone?

But when it works? Oh boy, does it work. The luminous quality of encaustic wax art is like nothing else. It’s like capturing sunlight in layers of translucent magic. I’ve made some encaustic wax abstract art that I’m pretty chuffed about – pieces that seem to glow from within, telling stories in their depth and texture.

Of course, mastering encaustic wax art techniques is a journey. One day you’re feeling like the Michelangelo of wax, the next you’re scraping off layers of what looks like solidified chicken soup. But that’s the beauty of it – every piece is an adventure.

For those brave souls interested in encaustic art for sale, just know that each piece comes with its own story of triumph, disaster, and the occasional singed eyebrow. It’s not just art; it’s a battle scar from the great wax wars.

That’s why I do not teach encaustic art, not only do you burn yourself silly, but you spend so much time prepping and with no guarantees that your artwork is actually going to work. Most people simply don’t have the patience for it. It’s also extremely expensive to make.

Let’s break down the costs:

• • • Wax: Beeswax is a natural product, and its price can fluctuate depending on quality and availability. However, good quality beeswax for encaustic art isn’t cheap.
      • • Encaustic Medium: R150 – R300 per 500g block
        • Beeswax: R100 – R200 per 500g block
        • Damar Resin: R150 – R250 per 500g
    • Pigments: Encaustic pigments are specially formulated to withstand the heat of the wax. These can be significantly more expensive than traditional artist’s pigments.
      • • Pigments: R50 – R100 per 100g (depending on pigment type and quality)
    • Brushes: You can use specific encaustic brushes, which are designed to handle hot wax, or modify regular brushes for encaustic painting. However, even with modification, expect brushes to wear down quickly due to the heat.
    • Heating tools: You’ll need a palette or heating pan specifically designed for encaustic work. These can range in price depending on features and functionality.
      • • Hot Air Gun: R1000 – R2000 (depending on brand and power)
        • Hotplate: R500 – R1500 (depending on size and features)

    • Hotplate: A hotplate is essential for melting and keeping encaustic wax at a consistent temperature. It provides a stable and controlled environment for your work.

So, while encaustic art can be incredibly rewarding, the investment in time, materials, and potential frustration is significant.

But for those interested in learning how to paint with more readily available materials and techniques, please go to my Lifeartschool and Academy website at www.lifeartschool.co.za. We offer a variety of courses designed to help you develop your artistic skills and unleash your creativity.

Happy painting!