12x12in(30x30cm) mixed media on birchwood board. This wood was prepped with a layer of gloss medium to prevent any impurities coming through from the wood. Then I added a few layers of gesso primer before I began painting. Each painting has a least five layers of paint and texture with helps give these work a history. When you get up close you can see through the previous layers and it gives the painting richness. When I know Im definitely finished I give the painting a layer of gloss medium and then I finish with a layer of cold wax. This wax is buffed to a beautiful soft sheen which really works well with this type of work. This is a new way of finishing work that I learned from an amazing course I was on for three months. Im armed with all this new knowledge now which Im bringing into this new series.