Waxing Nebulous

This has been a period of testing this new wax medium. Returning to a familiar subject matter, but in a new way, Nigel has been working to develop and consider this technique. Images of fires in the local bush have been significant in Nigel's work over the past few years. Previously dealing with the subject in the mixed media technique of pencils and washes on canvas, these images are given a new lease on life when rendered in wax.
It has been crucial to the adoption and development of this style that the work conveys a nebulous, mysterious quality. Through the layers of wax washes and intricately painted details, these images are ambiguous and create an interesting sense of space that goes beyond the typical use of two-dimensional perspective.
This effect is particularly important for this subject matter, as it seems to convey quite convincingly the uneasiness and mystery of a smoke-filled atmosphere. You can perhaps see in the detail below that detail is created through layering, with the bright details of the orange fire resting upon and flicking above the smoked surface.
I have also included below an image of the wax-making trolley. With all the essential tools for melting, mixing and applying the liquid wax to the surface of the canvas. Of course the paints have their own trolley, and are applied both separately and together with the wax.