Acrylic on Panel.

In rescuing files on my computer I found this image of a painting I did in my first year in University for a project called “Autobiography”.

I’ve been reading on a couple of blogs about studies and it has echoed what I have been reading in books lately. Without exception they all emphasise the value of doing studies, both value (tonal) studies and colour studies before starting on the painting proper. Personally I find it hard to do a study before I start painting. i just can’t wait to get in and paint. I might make a quick pencil sketch to work out composition but that will be it. I would be interested to know how many people do any kind of study before they start painting – particularly plein air.