Encaustic Painting

Course Number: ARTS0089

Please note: This course is not suitable for beginning painters. You should have a basic knowledge of colour theory and some previous painting skills. Encaustic experience is not required.
The art of encaustic painting was practiced by Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as many as 2500 years ago and is still practised today. The term encaustic denotes the use of wax as an artistic medium. The combination of pigment, beeswax and varnishes creates beautifully luminous paintings. Once a lost art, it is gaining more and more popularity and recognition. Many contemporary artists are exploring the versatility of the medium and applying the techniques to a wide variety of artistic genres: landscape, abstraction, collage and printmaking to name a few. As a newcomer to the medium you will learn basic techniques and formulae as well as how to prepare your own supports. The course includes a brief history of encaustic and frequent class discussions. Skills and techniques acquired in this course will enable you to apply encaustic techniques to your own personal painting style. Safety procedures will be emphasized at all times.

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