Prepare for the tree project by looking at an average scene. Here I show visual images from a December walk in Oregon. Texture, grass, and layers are all motifs that got me inspired to try something out with paint. The purpose is to make something of a 'ho-hum' scene and extract the potential. This is a better thought for me than 'I should make a study'. If I stop to make a study first, this stops my creativity. So even though I should do a study I often don't . This leads to failed paintings and repainting, but it does foster more painting time. This is how I choose to do it. You are encouraged to make a study first, but do know it's not the only way. The lesson is to find YOUR WAY.
I will be working on the scene shown in the prep video. The challenge is to find inspiration on a gray day. I plan to do a small painting to help me with one of my 2 larger 'problem' works shown that are mid-process. One painting shown (the leaves) has been on the easel on and off for 2 years. Ugh.