Published in conjunction with an exhibition devoted to the encaustic medium, this work examines a painting method first used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The word "encaustic" derives from the Greek term "enkaustikos", meaning "to burn in". The basic technique calls for dry pigments to be mixed with molten wax on a warm palette and applied to any ground or surface. A heat source is passed close to the surface, burning in and fusing the colours. Currently enjoying a widespread revival among painters, sculptors and printmakers, the encaustic medium's resurgence has been bolstered by the availability of electrically heated equipment. In this illustrated volume, featuring more than 100 art works, Gail Stavitsky examines the 20th century encaustic renaissance. She discusses the work of artists such as Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Lynda Benglis, and many others who have turned to this ancient medium. The other two essays in this volume are "Encaustic Painting and Revivals: A History of Discord and Discovery" by Danielle Rice and "Encaustic Painting as a Contemporary Paint Medium" by Richard Frumess.
- ISBN13 9780813527642
- Publish Date 30 March 2000
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 19 October 2003
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Rutgers University Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 84
- Language English