COLLECTIONS: ENCAUSTIC ART
"Art of Heritage"
$960.00
Wax + Resin + Dry Pigments
Encaustic painting on cradled wood panel
18" h x 18" w, 7/8" d
Celebrating the rich tradition of quilt making in NC with a modern twist through the techniques of encaustic painting.
Its Pairing — Designed together. Made to go home as a Pairing.
'Chocolate Long Hair Shearling and Wool Pillow Cover'
'Chocolate Wool and Leather Quilt Pillow Cover'
ARTIST INSPIRATION
Inspired by my grandmother, an accomplished quilter, plus a sunny afternoon spent with beloved NC quilt expert, Georgia Bonesteel. You may know her shows from PBS NC, which started in the 1970's as a way to teach the craft. Share in this wonderful afternoon, reading here.
Complimentary Shipping
WHERE EARTH BECOMES ART
IT BEGINS WITH 3 MATERIALS ~ WAX + RESIN + DRY PIGMENTS
Nature is the first artist. These works transform organic elements into layered encaustic compositions — where earth becomes art.
These are not painted surfaces — they are fused ones. Built from wax, resin, earth pigments, and the heat that makes them one.
Purified beeswax, crushed damar resin, and pigments — some sourced from our own Blue Ridge Mountains — combined into a single molten medium.
Nature offered the language. The work is the translation.
WHAT LIES BENEATH
THE SURFACE IS NEVER WHAT IT APPEARS
The work is built in layers — sometimes ten, sometimes twenty or more. Each one fused by heat, then scraped back to reveal what lies beneath.
The result is a luminosity no other medium produces: transparency and opacity in the same surface, color held inside wax, light moving through rather than reflecting off.
The wax cures over months to a permanent finish. No glass required. The work is meant to be seen as it is — organic, raw, alive.
To receive what the earth offers and return it as something considered. That is the art of encaustic.
This piece was designed alongside a studio textile.
Explore the pairings
Before you decide
Does it need a frame?
No. Encaustic works on cradled birch panel are complete as made.
Board sides are left natural and finished per your preference. Stain and paint options are included with your purchase — choose at checkout.
Custom walnut, ash, and white oak floater frames are available as an upgrade. Frames arrive September 2026.
See before you buy (Raleigh, NC only)
Curbside viewing is available in the Midtown Raleigh area before you purchase.
In-home viewing is available for works 18 x 18 inches and larger. Inquire for details.
Available to serious inquiries. Contact us to arrange.
Return Policy
We do not offer returns on art.
This protects the inherent nature of the work from damage for the final buyer.
Shipping
Complimentary shipping on all art.
Care
Encaustic art "cures" to a very hard surface, does not require a frame or glass.
Dust surface with a feather duster, no chemicals.
A slight "clouding" might develop in your encaustic art. This is normal and the nature of wax.
Clouding can be removed with a light buffing, using soft, white cloth, to reveal the colors underneath and increase shine.
A buffing tutorial video is included with your purchase.
Display & Transport
Encaustic art should be displayed at room temperature and not in direct sun.
For transport, use original packaging box sent with purchase and avoid a hot car.
Discover
Encaustic is one of the oldest painting techniques - beeswax, damar resin, dry earth pigments, and heat. Each layer is fused before the next is applied. The surface that results is luminous, archival, and unlike anything made with paint.
Some pieces also incorporate pan pastels fused into the final layer for added depth and dimension.
Ownership Rights
All works are original and one-of-a-kind.ADALÉI, LLC retains all copyright and reproduction rights, including all photography on this site. Works may not be reproduced without express written permission. Original art purchased from ADALÉI is intended for private display and may not be resold through retail, trade showrooms, or online channels.