These days, finding time to paint feels like a small victory (even if it’s just for less than an hour). So, getting older is pushing me to leave excuses behind.

Compared to my previous figurative painting, I approached this one with stronger sense of direction. I made an effort to spend time on basic thumbnail sketches but looking back, I realize it would have been helpful to develop them further and do some color studies.

I’m not sure why I resist prep work; it still feels like a waste of time to me. Though I love the uncertainty from striking the brush, I’m beginning to see the value of structure.