The power of a brew

Never underestimate the power of a good brew and a break.

I've had numerous teas now in front of this lady in the painting and got to the point where I can get through a whole cup and not need to get off the stool to add a shade or a mark!

I knew this was a special occassion, one to celebrate and settle into.

The tweeking stages of a painting can go on for a long time, almost indefinitely. I have found that not only good tea breaks but actual proper days away from the studio (even when it feels hard to be away) is actually a superb way to reboot the brain in relation to the work.

Taking a break allows our brains to absorb ideas, reshuffle aspects of the work, and be cleared of all the layers of viewing, from the particular infomation in the painting. It clears the visual slate so to speak, and allows us to see it a fresh.