As I paint I like to read and research what I am painting, even if I make up something. Usually the images I visualize have symbolic meanings as well as visually interesting to me. Finding the symbolism behind images can give me ideas for details and colors to enhance and evoke emotions of the viewers.

Today I laid down the first layer of color for the tree and skull. Tomorrow I will smooth away the lines and blend with gouache. You can see that I have worked the roots of the trees to get an idea of what colors I want and how the shadowing will work with the rest of the trees. will ink in Celtic runes to the shadows and power to the painting once I have finished laying on the paint.

This is the most boring part of painting, where stubbornness and discipline play a big part of why I paint. I want to see how this will turn out so I wade through confusion and doubt I experience at this point. This happens with every painting or drawing at this point. The work looks like crap and I doubt if I can pull this one off! Every painting is a new experience but it is getting easier, as I can ignore my doubt and boredom.

16 x 14 inches, watercolor and gouache, on 190lb cotton watercolor paper

E is painting with me today, she is painting another favorite Pokeman called Litten. Both grandchildren are on break. Painting is a great way to teach and bond with people, especially children.

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