I will take them no further

Here are studies which I am happy to put away in a folder and consider 'Completed'. They have been cropped digitally because of wax drips on the border. Since then I have learnt not to let the wax drip from the brush so that the edge quality of the work will be 'tidy' while still reflecting the fluid nature of the wax.

I am pleased with the rounded 'bottom' of the wax shape and the soothing green so I will title it 'Contentment'

My friend Asako liked this work and it was she who selected this work on my behalf as 'completed'

This work and the one below remind me of the tranquil bamboo grove in the compound of a Zen temple I visited in my first trip to Japan in 2008.

Some wax cracked and peeled off when I drew on the surface with a sharp instrument, but I sealed these areas with another layer of wax, so the image has a 'worn' and natural quality about it. Also reminds me of a Chinese painting.