The only place to start is at the beginning

When I start a painting. I want to know how it will end. Before I begin the painting I want to see the finished piece. But I can’t begin with the ending.

The only place to start is at the beginning.

I want to know how the story ends before I read the whole book.  When I am reading a book I often read the last chapter first to find out if the women died when her car flew off of the cliff, did the man find his lost dog, or did the cat find his mother.

I hate surprises. I hate not knowing.

But a painting is alive. It changes as each color and layer are applied.

The only place to start is at the beginning

If you want to write a book, start with one word. One sentence.

If you want to knit a scarf, start with one stitch.  Cast on your stitches.

If you want to run a marathon, start with one step. Start by walking around the block.

If you want to draw, start with one mark. One line.

The only way to reach the end is to start at the beginning. Click To Tweet

Often I have an idea of what I want. Sometimes I will do a sketch first, but often the painting takes on a life of its own.

In my basement I have started a painting. It is waiting. Waiting for me to begin.

I sketched with black charcoal a cat. A cat with a moustache. The cat has a personality, now to give him life.

What will you start today?

Please tell me in the comments. I would love to chat.