My panels have now had all their layers of gesso completed, and set, and need to be sanded down ready for the next stage, but 1st I need to batten the back of the panels to ensure the strength of the panels as they are quite heavy now. Ideally I should have done this as 1st job, but has to be done now before the final stages of painting gilding and distressing.
![Sanding down](https://jaqmccaughern.com/wp-content/uploads/panels-progress1-150x150.jpg)
I have been taking advantage of fine weather to collect specimens for my Jars. This time of year their are lots of fruits, berries and seeds that are interesting shapes.
![collecting specimens](https://jaqmccaughern.com/wp-content/uploads/field-work-4-150x150.jpg)