Less scary than skydiving, and the fun lasts longer!
I am pleased to introduce to you Carol Prusak and her wonderful paintings. See some of her work and hear a bit about what art means to her - here: "Featured Art Student Page" - (find link on my homepage blog if you are reading this in facebook or elsewhere).
"The writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work, will die without putting a word to paper." E.B. White -
The same could be said of painters. And how do we apply this practically? I'm siding with Phyllis Diller who said, "I'm 18 years behind in my ironing." Either quote works to inspire me to get the brush out. And you?
That's a great quote Cheryl. I need to convince myself that it's OK to paint before floors are swept, dishes are done, beds made,..........
Good insight Jack! Thanks for the reminder to just get painting, Cheryl. I know I often delay starting because I'm imagining that I need to produce perfection (or more truthfully deluding myself into thinking that I can!) instead of humbly learning as I go. Which of course is the only way I am going to learn!
I wouldd hazard a wild guess that the easiest way to cure the disease would be to use it against its self, i.e., by putting off procrastinating.
Here's a link for you to see some of the paintings by Scottish artist Arthur Melville. Watercolourists - I think you will love his work. Melville was born in 1858, died in 1904. He was not afraid to use white gouache in combination with his watercolours. "The Gate of Justice" is wonderful - but I had a hard time picking just one favourite from his marvelous paintings. Do you have a favourite? - tell us which one. Here's the link - Google Images for Arthur Melville (find it on my website blog, if you are reading this on facebook or elsewhere.)
Love the rooster!!
Thanks for sharing this awesome artist! His paintings could fit in any modern art magazine. What wonderful design, patterns, contrasts, and study of shapes. I like the one called "Baghdad", from 1882, the very first one on the google page. I also like "Blue Night".
I have no idea historically where the idea came from that it is bad to combine white paint with watercolour. As far back as the early 1900's, famous watercolourists were not at all shy to combine white gouache with their watercolour paintings. I think it is a modern, and in my opinion, misguided practice to teach people that using white paint is 'cheating'. I get riled up when someone says that. By golly this is art, not brain surgery, and I say - if it works use it! What's the alternative? You have this beautiful painting and one small area has become too dark. You've done all the lifting you can and it's not going to work. It would be such a waste to throw it out. Why not get out the white paint and fix it? What do you think?
Jacqueline - love the 'white paint police' - and your wonderful conclusion!
I'm thinking that it is how you approach painting. If you choose to paint without white, then you should do the best you can to 'not use white' but I don't think the 'can't use white' police are going to come along and give you a fine! 
Then there is the idea that says, hey, I can paint however I please and I intend to use white paint wherever I please and so there! It is art either way right!? But I wonder if this comes from that 'puritan' movement in the art world that says if you paint in oils, then this is how you do it. I have even heard art instructors criticize oil painters that do not apply the paint in thick globs on the canvas! They make statements like, 'well that is what it was designed for right? If you want to paint thinnly, then use water color!" Geesh! I always ask myself this question; Am I problem solving creatively? If the answer is yes, then I'm ok...if its no...then I better put the brush down! 
"Imagination rules the world." Napoleon Bonaparte
- Napoleon? Said this? Didn't think I would be quoting this man. (Thanks @GreatestQuotes)
In this video, I demonstrate one of my favourite 'wet and wild' techniques. Thank you to everyone who voted! I am now one of 4 finalists whose videos will be juried at the end of June - one will win a trip to Italy!
