Encaustic


A caption on page D5 of the January 4, 2012, edition of the Wall Street Journal reads, “Part of an encaustic icon of Christ from between the sixth and seventh centuries.”

Encaustic comes from the Greek verb encauein (ἐγκαίειν), meaning “to burn in.” It refers to a method of painting that depends on firing the art piece. One ancient method used wax colors, then fixed them in place by means of fire.

In a wider sense, the word also applies to any process that relies on burning in the colors, such as enameling objects or painting pottery before firing. Bricks and tiles formed by using different colored clays also count.

Today, many abstract artists and mixed-media artists continue the tradition.


SIDEBAR: Getting Started in Encaustic Painting


Available from McFarland & Co.: Word Parts Dictionary, 2nd edition

Check out Mike's program-based books here:
Amazon.com


Listen to Mike’s program in real time every Tuesday morning, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EST, by going to wtcmradio.com and clicking on Listen Now.

There is a collection of podcasts. Go to wtcmradio.com and click on Podcasts. Scroll down The Ron Jolly Show to find the Words to the Wise audio button.


Comments

Popular Posts