Nick wrote and asked me about value sketches.  Here is my response and a quick review of NOTAN and the principles of value in providing painting structure. 
What I have learned so far: 
I can edit clips of video together. Who knew? 

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A Paintbrush is not a magic wand. Oh wouldn't it be great if it was? 
This video describes the process of painting in a series to achieve a more successful result. 
If you want a lesson with me on line or in my studio contact me today and let's get started. Better paintings can happen right now! 

What I have learned so far: 
A series is important to develop a strategy to implement successfully over a period of time. 

I have given myself immunity. I am painting for the next two weeks with freedom and abandon. I want to see how few strokes I can use to identify a form. I also want to use thicker paint mixtures so that color values are correct on the first pass . This requires thought and planning but I am all in. 

What I have learned so far; 
Simplicity is an illusion. The human eye wants to see everything and report back. The challenge is to try to see like an animal who has no language structures to fall back on . Nothing can be explained . It is only about value and shape a flower or a bird...a form is  a form.  

Yes, you read that right I said an "emotional hairball". I am not posting this on Facebook . An emotional hairball is when you are just overcome with lots of feelings and end up venting by being either angry or crying or shut down. We all have them . But should we share them on social media? 
What is your opinion? 
What I have learned so far ; 
It is OK and necessary to feel all the feelings ...the good ones and the not so good ones, but sharing them is an art too. How and where to share them needs to be weighed carefully. 

I have no idea how this phantom shape went unseen for over a week. It seems pretty obvious to me now. 
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What I have learned so far: 
Paintings are always a work in progress just like life. You do your best and then make adjustments as needed. Zigging and Zagging,