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Doctors practice medicine, lawyers practice law, musicians practice their instruments... you get the idea.

This topic was inspired by one of my readers. I am always grateful to receive comments on my New Art Alerts. When someone takes the time to encourage me by responding to my published artwork with insight, encouragement, or simply an "I love it!," I respond in kind.

Everything is practice.

Upon receiving an uplifting comment from one of my supporters, Jack (who gave me permission to use his name), I responded with gratitude and explained that the portrait was "another practice one." You see, I've been painting from copyright-free photos downloaded from Unsplash, where "Over 6 million free high-resolution photos and illustrations [are] brought to you by the world's most generous community of contributors."

Note: My paintings from these photos can never be entered into shows. (See Entering Art Competitions Part 2: Read the Prospectus.)

Then why paint them?

I haven't decided what my subject will be for my upcoming Demystifying Portraits in Watercolor workshop. I have made the decision to paint someone that I don't know, so I've downloaded selections from Unsplash which include elements conducive to what I plan to teach - particularly facial features and hair, as well as good lighting. 

Our correspondence (abbreviated here) continued.

Jack's reply (in part): "Wow, I can't believe this was just practice."

Me: "Ultimately, everything is practice, isn't it?" 

Jack then responded by repeating my sentiment followed by: "What a great thought, so true."

Me: "That sounds like a title for a future newsletter!" (Which had not occurred to me until he repeated it!) 

So thank you, Jack, not only for your ongoing support and encouragement, but for the idea for this newsletter! 

I've created a collage of my recent "practice paintings" sourced from Unsplash. Photographers (clockwise from top left): Vladislav Nikonov, Ricky Turner, Arto Suraj, Jeremy McNight, and Hulki Okan Tabak.

Practice makes progress.

I really do consider all of my paintings as practice. I do not paint  specifically for any particular show or to please anyone else (with the exception of commissions). I paint because I love it, and I want to improve.

Having said that, of course I always hope that my work will be well-received, but the bottom line is whether I am happy with it. 

Paint. Love. Repeat.