Quick Studies

Time does fly. I've been busy, but not busy doing much painting. I suppose I've been busy with life issues and self-discovery. And trying to make a bit of money proofreading. Right now I find myself anxiously awaiting getting into my studio -- an old warehouse is being renovated and I was hoping to get in by April 1, but it looks like it will be two more weeks. I'm eager to break bad habits and establish a good work pattern. Leaving the house and having a dedicated space will do wonders for me. And the familiar sound of a train rolling past (my windows are directly across from the national rail line) will bring familiar comfort. I can't wait!

In the meantime I am finding it hard to start anything substantial. So this week I told myself to keep it short  and sweet and simple. I attended a one-day figure-painting session last Saturday, and then did three small self-portraits this week, spending 2-4 hours on each one. I experimented with taking certain colors off my palette and painting freely with no preparation. These are rough rough rough, and I promised myself I wouldn't go back to correct them, but would use them as learning tools. (I'm going to continue this for a while I think, until I get settled in the space.) I am happy to say there is something good to say about each of the studies, and I am pleased that I pushed through. Here they are: