In a series, paintings play leapfrog with each other, moving ahead and falling back in an asynchronous dance, until one by one they’re finished. This interplay between individual pieces and the ability to have one help the others along is the very best reason I know for painting in a series.

I work more slowly in the middle stage. Playfulness alternates with watchfulness. I am now more aware of questions of composition, design and colour. And there are LONG periods of looking!