Centuries ago, many Egyptians looked to Greek artisans to paint detailed mummy portraits on wooden panels. Working over an open fire, melting a combination of beeswax, tree resin, colored pigments and even gold leaf, these artists created spectacularly intricate and lifelike artworks.

Countless of these head-and-chest portraits, designed to be mounted into the wrappings of the mummy, have survived brilliantly through time, due in no small part to the inherent preservative quality of beeswax.

Fast-forward to the 20^th century, when open fires were replaced by hot plates and blow torches. Encaustics saw a resurgence as artists like Jasper Johns and Alfonso Ossorio embraced the ancient medium and applied their own creative touch, electrifying the art world with their multilayered creations.

Today, encaustics is big business; manufacturers offer pre-mixed pigments and medium blocks, fancy sculpting tools and adjustable-heat hot plates, as well as a complete range of specialty items for encaustic artists with deep pockets.

But as a purist who’s inspired by Jasper Johns (he uses a saucepan and a blowtorch), I try to keep things simple. I make my own medium using beeswax and tree resin. I usually mix my own colors, so I can control the intensity and viscosity. And I find most of my sculpting and embedding materials in the garage, using antique tools and hardware.

Interesting Links

Texas Wax

Fayum Mummy Portraits

R&F Handmade Paints