Here at Gallery MAR, we’re proud to feature a diversity of artistic styles and media. From luminous oil paintings to glistening bronze sculptures, there’s always a multitude of media to appreciate within our gallery walls. Most visitors and collectors alike are familiar with the media our artists create with, but one unique medium in particular always seems to beckon the most questions: encaustic. After all, what is encaustic?

In this blog, we highlight the works of two exceptional encaustic artists, Bridgette Meinhold and Shawna Moore, whose stunning creations showcase the depth, texture, and luminosity that define this medium. Join us as we explore the beauty and intricacies of encaustic art through the eyes of these talented artists.

Encaustic painting, which involves using heated beeswax mixed with colored pigments, offers a rich history and unparalleled versatility. Derived from the Greek word “enkaustikos,” meaning “to burn in,” encaustic art is a unique and ancient art form that dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt, where it was primarily used for painting portraits and decorating ships. One of the most famous examples of early encaustic art is the Fayum mummy portraits, which have remarkably retained their vivid colors and intricate details over millennia.

The process of creating encaustic art begins by heating beeswax until it becomes a liquid, then adding pigments to achieve the desired color. Artists apply the molten wax to a surface, usually wood, using brushes or metal tools. Each layer of wax is then reheated to fuse it with the previous layer, creating a rich, textured finish that can be polished to a high gloss or left matte. This method allows for an incredible depth of color and texture, making encaustic art truly distinctive.

What sets encaustic art apart is its durability and the unique, luminous quality of the wax. The medium’s ability to preserve color and detail over time, as demonstrated by ancient works, ensures that contemporary encaustic pieces remain vibrant and fresh. Additionally, the tactile nature of the medium invites viewers to not only see but also feel the art, providing a multi-sensory experience.

Today, encaustic art has experienced a resurgence, embraced by contemporary artists for its versatility and the tactile quality it brings to their work. Modern encaustic artists experiment with a variety of techniques, such as painting in between layers, incising lines, and building up textural surfaces. The medium’s ability to be manipulated in numerous ways allows artists to explore themes of transparency, luminosity, and dimensionality, creating works that are both visually and physically engaging.

Local artist Bridgette Meinhold’s encaustic landscape paintings capture the serene beauty and intricate details of nature through the unique medium of heated beeswax and pigments. Known for her ethereal mountain scenes and tranquil forests, Meinhold’s work exudes a sense of peace and introspection. By layering wax and pigments, she creates depth and texture, creating a feeling of spaciousness and atmosphere within her pieces. “Yes, I paint trees,” Meinhold says, “but really I’m painting air.” Each painting is a testament to her meticulous process and deep connection to the natural world. 

Montana-based artist Shawna Moore’s abstract landscape paintings are a captivating blend of color, texture, and emotion, brought to life through the medium of encaustic wax. Moore expertly manipulates heated beeswax and pigments to create dynamic, textured surfaces that invite viewers to explore their depths. Her abstract interpretations of nature convey a sense of movement and transformation, reflecting the ever-changing beauty of the natural world, capturing the feeling of sunlight reflected on water or of wind racing down a slope in brilliant encaustic abstraction. 

At Gallery MAR, we are proud to showcase encaustic art that interprets this ancient medium in fresh, modern ways. Our curated collection features pieces that exemplify the depth, texture, and brilliance unique to this ancient yet ever-evolving art form, offering a glimpse into the timeless beauty and innovation of encaustic art.

Tags: Art History, beeswax, Beeswax Art, Bridgette Meinhold, Bridgette Meinhold Art, Encaustic, encaustic art, Encaustic Artists, encaustic painting, Shawna Moore
Posted in Gallery News