When it comes to our ability to focus on painting, preparation is the most important thing that we can easily control. Being prepared allows us to quickly get our hands covered in pastel, and can help us create. ‘Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while one is working.’ Henri Matisse Studio preparation: Having a clean, comfortable place to work is essential. Whether you work in your dining room, spare bedroom, or have a separate studio, keep it stocked. Don't forget pa

I used this photo of the Amaryllis with the Juan Gris poster in the background. This is an 8 X 10 inch photo. I covered this photo with a piece of clear acetate, actually, an 8.5 X 11 inch transparency. I used a Pigma marker, .02, to trace all of the important shapes and lines. I made sure I had all of the lines I needed by sliding a blank sheet of paper under the acetate . I marked the lower right hand corner of the tracing with an "R" for "right side". (To avoid co