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How to Apply Encaustic on a Photograph

Experiment with an interesting artistic technique by applying encaustic -- a paint made from pigment, melted beeswax and resin -- on a photograph. Contemporary American artist Jasper Johns was known for applying melted beeswax to his paintings. After adding the encaustic wax, he added pigments and collage materials onto his artwork. Encaustic can be used on nearly any medium, including photographic prints. Experienced artists and newcomers alike can easily use this technique to create lush, semitransparent results.

Things You'll Need

  • Photograph
  • Wood board
  • Spray mounting glue
  • Brayer
  • Beeswax
  • Damar resin
  • Small pot
  • Stiff paintbrush
  • Oil paints
  • Glaze
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spray mounting adhesive onto the back of your photographic print. Lay it onto a wooden board of exactly the same dimensions as your photograph. The wooden board gives strength to your print, which is necessary because the encaustic is heavy.

    • 2
      A brayer is a rolling tool used in printmaking.

      Roll the entire photograph with a brayer, starting from the center and working outward, to remove air bubbles. It also helps the print adhere to the wood backing.

    • 3

      Melt beeswax with damar resin, which is a hardening agent, in a small pot over the stove. Dip a stiff bristle brush into the melted wax mixture. Apply the wax to a small area on the photograph that you want to encaustic paint.

    • 4
      Experiment with colors and ratios of glaze.

      Add oil paint mixed with glaze -- made from linseed oil -- where the melted wax was brushed, using another paintbrush. Brush more wax over the area, if necessary, and apply more oil paint mixed with glaze.

    • 5

      Brush on the wax mixture to another area of your photograph. Apply a mixture of oil paint and glaze. Continue this process until you are satisfied with the results.

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