Today I have seven new panels on the long table in my studio - sanded and gessoed, ready to go.

And I’m very excited to begin! In the span of a painting’s creation, this is when I have the greatest opportunity to play freely, to experiment, to be reckless if that’s the mood I’m in. This is when there’s the highest likelihood of discovering something new in my work. This is when magic sometimes happens.

Because I’ve learned how freeing opening moves can be, “blank canvas paralysis” is not a problem!

From there, I often add colour

- but really, it can go anywhere with my approach - which is total freedom to experiment and play.

I made this short video a while back, to show how I was beginning my most recent series. It illustrates how most paintings start for me, regardless of size, and regardless of the intention I may have for the painting. I hope you enjoy watching! And if you have any questions about what I’m doing or why, feel free to post a comment or a question below. I promise I will answer.