The importance of exercises
I’m very much a “I want to fly solo…. NOW” kind of person – I strongly object to the principle that one has to build towards something before you can become skilled at it. I admit it – I am lazy and want to take short-cuts. I don’t want to put in the hours of preparation and training – I just want to get it right the first time – surely this is achievable?
NOT!
I’ve been doing an on-line workshop with Vinita Pappas on Loosening Up. One of her key tips (and I am not going to give them all away – her instructions and videos and tips are excellent and a very valuable investment) is to start every painting session with warm-up exercise – nothing complicated, just some exercises to get your eye in and your hand holding the brush and getting some paint flowing.
And it is actually very worthwhile. Yes, I admit it – I was wrong. It does have value, it does have benefit, it will bring rewards.
A 10-minute warm-up of painting lines, washes, squiggles, whatever – do it and enjoy it!
.... a blank sheet of paper... 
Nearly did the workshop as well, has it been good? The pro artists all seem to do some sort of a warm up, washes, exercises don’t suppose it matters what.
Yeah – the workshop was good. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it definitely gave me some things to think about. Vinita has a great way of teaching and gave us some really great pointers.