A method of painting using hot wax invented by the ancient greeks which became their principal medium for easel paintings. The technique died out during the dark ages but was revived using writings of Pliny and other sources in the 18th century, Today it is a respected method for some modern artists such as Jasper Johns. It has greater permanence ftan oil paintings. An electrically heated palette holds pans of molten wax for application with a brush, or a heated metal spatula is used. A portion of Damar resin is added to the wax and pigment mixture. Once the painting is ‘finished’ a heat source is passed over the surface fusing the wax into a permanent smooth surface. The encaustic portraits from Faiyum in Egypt attest to ancient mastery of the method.