No self-torment or suffering went into making this painting . . . I actually
had fun! I got lost in the concentration, that meditative experience I recall
from the past that has eluded me in the last couple of years. When I set
it up, it seemed so complicated that I did a full value study in burnt
umber over a transparent red oxide ground to paint over. It forced me to
compare values from the start without color complicating the process.
The only moments of angst were when I "came to" and thought, "oh please,
don't let me screw this up." I photographed it and slapped it up here before
I could start picking it apart. I feel like I'm on the right road. Thanks every-
body for your encouraging comments . . . the answer, as you said, is
simple: just keep on painting . . .
