Thumbnail studies.

Small space + short time = strong thinking.

Start with thumbnail sketches to think through the problems. Build your confidence by practicing. Remember that ideas will flow from doing.

• Pick a subject. Choose something to investigate. If your goal is pure abstraction, write down the words that suggest what you want to convey.

• Choose your palette. Limits set you free. Work with a few colors. Three cool and/or three warm primaries plus white is enough.

• Lay out a gird. Use a template; draw small squares or rectangles. A view catcher lets you quickly mark out identical 2” squares.

• Gather essentials. Substrate. Brush for painting. Glue and a spreader for collage.

• Turn off your phone. Shut the door. Turn on music or just savor the quiet.

• Set your timer. A deadline motivates. Set your alarm for 5 minutes.

• Make a study. find the main colors, shapes, values. Where are they in the frame?

• Repeat. Just keep your hands moving. in 20 minutes, you’ll know your subject better, and ready to work longer and bigger.

6x6” acrylic - first try after thumbnail studies

Many thanks to Lisa Daria Kennedy and her class, Daily Painting: Embrace the Practice, at Concord Arts. She reminded me how powerful small steps can be.