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If you had the opportunity to read my previous blog, Self-critique Tip: Photograph Your Paintings, you will recognize the subject matter in today's writing (that would be my son). I'd like to walk you through the steps I took in completing this piece.

You may recall that I had duplicated the above image (left) and removed the color (right) in order to assess my progress. A couple things were apparent to me at that time: The red cap was almost the same value as the background, and I didn't think I'd want to go any darker than the hair next to the face.

Each time I come back to a work-in-progress, I assess the painting, decide what it needs next, and work on building up one area at a time. I add glazes, leave drips and blooms for texture and interest, and change color and value where needed. Each sitting takes anywhere from one to two hours. I've been working on this painting for three weeks. 

"Is it so important to get somewhere in a big hurry, or is it better to take your time, one step at a time,

and methodically reach the destination in a more efficient way?" - Buzz Aldrin

Portraits take time, at least for me. I'm always anxious to finish, especially when I get close to the end, but I force myself to stop and think, or even to set my painting aside for a couple days if I'm not sure what to do next. Watercolor artist Ted Nuttall says, "No matter how slowly you're working, you should work slower."

All in a Day's Work, 16" x 11" original watercolor painting.

After three days of isolation on my flattening table (out of sight, but not out of mind), my painting was allowed back into the studio. I added texture to the background, intensity to the shadow areas, and fine-tuned a few areas. I think it's finished! 

Paint. Love. Repeat.

P.S. Apparently we have at least 30 more days staying at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. I hope you all are finding creative ways to deal with the stress that is inevitable during this time of uncertainty. I'd love to hear from you!