Encaustic is a mixture of beeswax, damar resin and raw pigment. It is an ancient technique and we still have paintings today from a long time ago to prove its durability. There is a joy in using encaustic that I never experienced with other mediums. I delight in the combination of heat, intensity of color and process. Bees find their way into my studio and often land on the paintings. The color in encaustic will never fade and paintings can be placed on walls that receive indirect sun. I paint on cradled wood panels unless otherwise stated and sign my work on the back. 
For more information on the development and history of encaustic painting click here for Fayum Mummy Portraits and Encaustic Painting. It’s a fascinating history of the merging of cultures and how innovation can change the course of art.
From Wikipedia, “…Two groups of portraits can be distinguished by technique: one of encaustic (wax) paintings, the other in tempera. The former are usually of higher quality….”
