First Rule- Don't Panic

I panicked. But the actual first rule is show up. I showed up. And panicked. Don't panic is written on the GUIDE. You know the guide don't you? "Don't panic and carry a big towel?" I figure the towel is for mopping up big messes. Or napping after. Or wiping off all that chaos that threatens to make my painting life just one little light traipse through Hades. (or for cleaning all those plucked chickens.)



Here's the noodle of twine from yesterday. Yeah, not very bad. Cause I didn't photograph the real mess off camera. Because the real mess is sometimes in my bicameral brain. Here's part of my method: I gather lots of info, source material, do research on anything really important to me, keep an admin notebook and checklist, all for my left brain. It needs this. My right brain is light years ahead. Straining at the leash saying come on come on...just do it...you don't need those words...pick up the brush and let me out. We'll get there. Right brain does not always know when to come in though...rarely hears my whistle . Forgets to eat....sounding familiar? So left brain tries to take care of right brain. Right brain has been winning lately though.



This is left brain asserting itself. Tidying up loose ends. Making sure the compass is set in the right direction. Making the map. Checking on the practical stuff...like clients, invoicing, shipping, and getting new work, being able to speak intelligently to the tech guys, looking up White Wolf's World of Darkness. ( more on that later)



This is left and right brain having a conversation. Picking the source material for a big new commission. ( more on this upcoming on the clients with no imagination)



This is left brain saying to right. See you get to go big. They want one like this only four times bigger. Right brain is by the door panting, leash between teeth. Come on come on. Left brain is checking...panic is subsiding..loose ends? almost done...okay just a minute... I'm coming...augh...where's that towel?