Two Constants

 

I've always found limits to be creatively helpful--I just think it's easier, when setting out on a creative project, to have fewer options than INFINITY to choose from :). So in my writing I prefer poetic forms--and right now, in my painting, I almost always plunk my flowers down (in real life) in the same milk glass vase. Turns out, there are still infinite ways to paint that vase.

Same with background color. I bought a very large tube of Pthalo Green (because it was on clearance!) at a Dick Blick store a year and a half ago, and ever since it's been my go-to background. It's a great complement for red, orange, or pink flowers, and by adding varying quantities of green, blue, yellow, red, or white, I can move it in a bunch of directions. Not saying I don't occasionally bust out an occasional white or pink background, but generally I rely for the moment on this favorite.