Diane . . .

Mar. 5/08 8:30 a.m.


“Sunlight streams through the window. Gesso is on our shared stool waiting for her morning treat, coffee's hot, and everything in my temporary workspace is ready for another productive day of creativity: table cleared off, fresh blobs of cerulean and cad red glistening on the palette, clean paint brushes clustered at attention, stalwart easel with arms outstretched, and references neatly aligned ready to lift me to uncharted heights of inspiration.

Sigh.

Unfortunately it's not like that at all. Except that Gesso really is waiting, and of course the coffee's ready, but the sun isn't even shining – there's an ice storm outside – and my workspace is a mess, as usual. I always mean to tidy up when I quit, but I don't. I drop everything and flee. If I'm lucky I escape without ruining whatever painting I'm working on. It's way too easy to screw up with watercolour, the famously unforgiving medium. For example, today I'll work on a scene I've already tried twice this week, but I added too much paint, and got lost along the way. The previous efforts are here in the piles somewhere, sending out vibes. I should listen to their message.

When to stop. That's what I'm thinking about today. Or will be, after I clean up enough of the mess to start my daily attack on the paintings for our show. And give Gesso her treat.”