When we start with an idea, we can focus on a series of steps that will help us hone in on how to make work on it. We might start with writing, and then explore ways with color, marks, composition, media, size, method, etc.

Let's say I want to make a series of paintings about stormy weather. I might start by writing about stormy weather - how does it feel, how does it look, why do I care about it? Then I will start creating my seeds. One might be colour - I'll start exploring what colours might express the way a storm looks and feels. I might explore marks - what marks convey the feeling of a storm? What compositions might convey the feeling? Will my paint be fluid or thick (or both?) Wil I paint large or small? How could I use my materials in a different way? Could I change the way I work? (For example, might I go out and work in the rain? or might I leave my canvases out during a storm?) I'll nurture each of these ideas and I'll try to avoid pushing too soon towards a finish line. This means that for quite a while I'm not making paintings - instead I'm working on studies (View Highlight)