Beeswax + damar resin + pigment = encaustic
.
Encaustic painting is an ancient art form that incorporates melted beeswax, damar resin (a natural tree resin), and pigment. It seduces the viewer with its translucent brush strokes and depth of field. This is achieved through multiple layers of hot, encaustic wax applied to the painting or print. The encaustic wax is melted to 200 degrees on an electric skillet. Each layer added to a painting must be sealed with a blow torch. Each layer of wax added to a monotype print is melted into the paper during contact with a hot printing plate. A monotype is one-of-a-kind and not reproducible. My monotypes are simply paintings transfered to paper.
Beeswax + alkyd resin + odorless mineral spirits= cold wax
Cold wax painting also uses beeswax like encaustic painting, but is a completely different look and process. Cold wax is not heated to melt the wax because solvent keeps the wax malleable. Cold wax added to oil paint creates a rich texture similar to softened butter. The paint is spread with a scraper, palette knife, or roller. It dries with a matte finish or can be buffed to a soft sheen.
"The job of the artist is to deepen the mystery."
-Francis Bacon