Tony Landolina, Encaustic Artist

I began experimenting with the ancient technique of encaustic painting after learning about Colony Collapse Disorder and the disappearance of honey bees. Encaustic painting dates to the 5th century B.C. and involves fusing together numerous layers of molten beeswax, tree resin and pigments. Each layer of encaustic medium is applied and then fused to the previous layer using a blowtorch. The surface is then scraped or scratched or rubbed with oil paints to create various effects. Unlike other paint mediums, encaustic has this sculptural component to it.

My paintings convey a sense of time and order by creating three-dimensional surfaces through the process of applying multiple layers of encaustic medium. The order and characteristics of each layer of molten encaustic medium applied—the depth, opacity, clarity—determines what is visible and what is obstructed from view. Further suggestions of the passage of time or movement are made by creating texture to the surface by scraping or mark-making. The combination of the organic materials, beeswax and tree resin, creates a vibrant luminous surface that almost glows with life.

Memberships:

  • Associated Artists of Pittsburgh

  • International Encaustic Artists

  • Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council

C/V

Solo and two-person shows

2023 Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA

2016 Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA

2015 Pour It On!, October 2015, Gallerie Chiz, Pittsburgh, PA

Group shows

2021 Pour, Spill, Drip, Stain; August 2021, Strohl Art Center, Chautaqua Institution, Chautaqua, NY

2017 Speak for Yourself, September 2017, FrameHouse & Jask Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA

2017 Juried Visual Art Exhibition, June 2017, Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA

Awards

2023 Juror's Choice Award, Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA

2022 Juror's Choice Award, Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA

2019 Emerging Artist Scholarship, Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA

Collections

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA

PNC Financial Services Group, Pittsburgh, PA

What is Encaustic?

Encaustic is a wax-based paint composed of beeswax, tree resin and pigment. Encaustic painting was practiced by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C. The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek word enkaustikos, meaning to burn in, referring to the process of applying molten wax to a substrate and then fusing it again with a heat source such as a blowtorch.

 Opulence. Encaustic is perhaps the most beautiful of all artists’ paints and it is as versatile as any 21st century medium. It can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modeled, sculpted, textured and combined with oil paints. It cools immediately, so that there is no drying time, yet it can always be reworked.

 Wax is its own varnish. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass because encaustic, which is the most durable of all artists’ paints, is its own protector. This is because beeswax is impervious to moisture, which is one of the major causes of deterioration in a paint film. Encaustic paint will not yellow or darken.

 No solvents. Encaustic paint does not require the use of solvents or chemicals. As a result, a number of health hazards are reduced or eliminated.

 Will it melt? No! The melting point of encaustic paint is around 165° F, however like any piece of fine art, an encaustic painting should not be hung in direct sunlight or exposed to extreme temperatures.