We've Got Paint on Canvas

Yep, I actually sat down yesterday and began a project.  I'm in denial when it comes to the fact that I'm going to have to practice my artistry to improve.  I've read countless books and articles in magazines and online.  I've watched countless hours of instructional video.  Now, I want that to translate into a magical experience wherein I sit down to my easel, pick up my brush and begin to paint awesome paintings without really practicing.  I'm too old to practice.  Time is of the essence here at the threshold of my 60s.  But here's where I start "practicing" what I preach about following the path and being patient with the process.

So, I take heart in the fact that the "studio" corner of my room is taking shape and I actually started a study for four small paintings which have been rattling around in my brain for a while.  I feel very brave just for putting my effort out there.  This was a scrap canvas that I'm using to experiment with making a checkerboard pattern to serve as a backdrop for this series of paintings.  This was my first attempt using masking tape to help create crisp lines.  As you can see, I didn't quite reach my goal but I'm going to use this to experiment further with the colors in the items that will be painted against this background and I'm going to play with shading on this practice piece to make the little squares look like tiles.  Wish me luck!  Later...