Thoughts on Painting

Since reading Richard Schmid's book, Alla Prima - Everything I know about Painting, my view of my personal painting journey has been affected. The thing to know about learning to paint is that every painting brings you one step closer to your goal of being a better painter. Learning to be an artist is a personal journey as varied as personalities and circumstances. The things you do while learning to paint are not necessarily things you will continue to do, but are stepping stones.
For example, using a photo to make a painting. Or copying the work of a famous painter to better understand his process. In the beginning there is no personal style. Personal style develops after painting number 2,634 or somewhere thereabouts. Everything up to that point is basic learning and fair game. Art is a way of looking at the world.

I recommend:
"Rolling Hills and Ranches" $65 [www.MALT.org] Marin county plein air painters
"Nature's Temple" $30 Paintings of William Wendt [www.Lagunaartmuseum.org]...