AWAITING THE COMMAND 

Jon Mcnaughton created this oil on canvas, Awaiting the Command, employing the traditional fine art material to imbue it with a sense of gravity and historical weight. The choice of oil paint is significant, allowing for the detailed rendering of textures, from the cold stone of the Roman architecture to the subtle gradations of light on the figures. Each brushstroke contributes to the overall atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene. Consider the labor invested in creating such a detailed composition, from stretching the canvas to the meticulous application of paint layer upon layer. McNaughton engages with a history of academic painting, a tradition steeped in skill and training, but he uses this mode to address contemporary social and political themes. By elevating these themes through the use of established artistic techniques, he seeks to give them a timeless quality. The use of traditional artistic materials and techniques highlights the ongoing relevance of the depicted narratives.