FAQs
Discover frequently asked questions about Heather Davis Art.
The Process Questions
What is the encaustic medium?
How do you create encaustic art?
How long does each encaustic take?
How do you care for an encaustic painting?
Do you use photos in the encaustic process?
Purchasing Questions
Are these encaustic paintings one of a kind?
How do you frame an encaustic painting?
How do I know this will fit in my space?
How do I buy an original encaustic painting from the Heather Davis Studio?
Can I buy over time?
Will you ship?
Do you offer image licensing?
Commission Questions
Care Questions
How does one care for the encaustic artwork?
What happens if it is damaged?
Do you have a question not listed here? Please reach out to us on our contact page.
The Process Questions
What is the encaustic medium?
I paint with an encaustic medium which is a blend of pure beeswax and damar resin, which comes from trees. This medium can be used clear or colored when pigment is added. The encaustic process is ancient and enduring. Encaustic paintings from 3000 years ago still exist today.
How do you do create encaustic art?
Each painting begins with a sketch. I use organizational principles that have been in use for hundreds of years by the great masters to compose a design that is appealing to the viewer’s eye. Layers of medium are painted on a substrate, usually a wood panel, and fused with heat. I use a butane torch to fuse the wax to the panel. Successive layers are applied, giving the piece a
beautiful, translucent quality and great durability. Sometimes I use beautiful papers from Japan, Nepal and other places to add color and texture to my designs. Other times I may use fragments of vintage architectural plans and other ephemera to depict time and place.
How long does each encaustic take?
Start to finish takes several weeks. Each piece goes through a long process to create beginning with the design, progressing through the design process, painting, embellishing and, sometimes, custom framing.
How do you care for an encaustic painting?
The damar resin hardens the beeswax so the painting is very durable. You can buff the surface, if desired, to give it a glossy appearance. Keep your encaustic painting out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat, such as a fireplace.
Do you use photos in the encaustic process?
At times I use a technique known as “photo encaustic,” whereby a photograph is attached to the substrate before the wax is applied and incorporated into the design of the piece. I use original photography that is my own.
Purchasing Questions
Are these encaustic paintings one of a kind?
Each painting is an authentic, one-of-a-kind creation.
How do you frame an encaustic painting?
Most of my paintings can be framed. Floating frames are used with encaustic artwork. The wax surface has a natural sheen and should not be put under glass.
How do I know this will fit in my space?
I offer virtual test drives! Send me a photo of the area you wish to place the art and I can “virtually hang” any artwork into your photo. To insure the best representation, please send a well-lit photo. Also include some sort of size reference so I know how big the space is. (For instance: the couch is 6 feet long and 3 feet tall OR the railing is 48 inches tall)
How do I buy an original encaustic painting from the Heather Davis Studio?
Contact me by email or telephone or shop my online collection securely. I accept PayPal and major credit cards, as well as other forms of payment.
Can I buy over time?
Yes, we can create a custom payment plan that meets your needs.
Will you ship?
Yes, shipping is priced on a piece-by-piece basis due to the variations in packaging, size and weight. All of our online pieces are shipped free to you.
Do you offer image licensing?
Yes.
Commission Questions
Do you do custom work?
Yes. My technique offers unique opportunities for paintings that are highly customizable and can feature specific locations, special events and other themes close to your heart. I welcome the opportunity to take commissions.
Care Questions
How does one care for the artwork?
You may need to dust it every now and then, and you can buff it to a sheen if you like. In general, very little maintenance will be required and it should provide years and years of enjoyment.
The hanging hardware is designed to support the art without any issues. Be sure to use an appropriate wall hanger for the weight of the piece.Encaustic is very durable, however, if you need to relocate, please wrap for protection during transfer.
What happens if it is damaged?
We will help you restore it as much as possible to its original state.