Stark Unreality

One-of-a-kind, hand-painted encaustic art. Encaustic, india ink, on board. Unframed. Can be hung or set on a shelf. The edges of the board are black. Wall hanger is included. Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, uses heated beeswax colored with pigments.

The word encaustic originates from the Greek word “enkaustikos” which means to burn in. Encaustic painting has many layers of encaustic applied to the surface, one on top of the other, with each layer being separately fused in with a torch. This technique results in a depth and luminous translucency that is unique to encaustic art. It is one of the most archival mediums. The oldest surviving encaustic panel paintings are the Romano-Egyptian Fayum mummy portraits from Egypt around 100–300 AD.

As with all fine art, encaustic art should be treated delicately. Some tips to keep encaustic art in pristine condition: Do not hang paintings in direct sunlight; Limit temperature exposure to between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit; keep sharp objects away from the surface; Do not enclose painting under glass or acrylic. Surface can be buffed with a soft cloth to a high shine if desired.