I tell you guys that I CAN draw but don't. Why? I don't really enjoy it. Why? Because my professor Ms. Grimes is still in my head telling me I will never be a good artist. Yesterday, @Heather van Doorn was here IRL during Open Studio here in Wisconsin and I decided I should take my own advice. Push past my fear of fucking it up and just do it. After all, Heather is a really cool cat and isn't judgy. She is super positive, open and just all around cool. So I drew her. It's the first time I have tried any figure drawing in 32 years. Guess what?? It FELT good! I got lost in it. I know it's not right but that is perfectly ok. The FEELING is what I was after, not the outcome. It was the first time I have done something for ME in a while.

to share with you. Setting the scene: Kate and I were having a critique of her painting. It was just any normal critique. AND THEN.......... I made this video with @Kate Bullock's permission. Enjoy

And no, I am not talking about the value of the dollar at the grocery store. Here is the truth when painting Getting the correct VALUE is more important than getting the right color. 🫟🫟. VALUE. 🫟🫟 Value means how light or dark something is. Color can be wrong and still work. But if the value is wrong, the painting will feel off. Notice the first line of grey boxes. They have increases in value toward 100% black. Notice the colors directly underneath. They are a darkness that is about the SAME as the grey above it. This is so important. The darkness or lightness of the color is more critical than getting the exact right color. This is text that comes straight out of my notes in Premium classes. See ya there.

My commission from the military series. This on will be slow and more precise than most of. My drawings. It is for a good friends husband. Look for updates……

Lesson 3 of Forest Walk is now live in the classroom. Here is where we are so far. If you are interested in learning how to paint this painting, jump in here. FOREST DREAMS You can also join us tomorrow. Check out the calendar for your timezone. I am just LOVING this painting. SO much fun and a bit complex. Cheers y’all! Questions? Ask them here.