Experimenting with Wax Medium

Surface Abstraction  
8 x 8 inches, wax medium and oil on linen panel

Several days ago, I went over to visit my friend Annie in her studio which is close to mine. She showed me her latest paintings done Cold Wax Medium and oil paint. The paint was thick and when applied could be painted over with transparent layers or scratched into to make textures and marks. It had never occurred to me that wax and oil could be compatible. I had gone to the art store with questions about how to thicken oil paint and the solution they gave me, (Liquin Impasto) was a toxic failure. But cold wax is a non-toxic way to both thicken and make the paint more or less transparent depending on the ratio of wax to oil paint. 

Annie, like many artists working with wax painting, is working on smooth wood panels that are cradled on the bottom for support. I have been enjoying the linen texture on panel surface so decided to continue with that and try cold wax medium on it. This kind of painting is done in layers. The image above represents the first application of color. The drying time is fairly short and so I am looking forward to applying another layer today.