I'm reading an article in the Artist's Magazine where the artist is describing her set up and under drawing for her still life. She set up with precision, used a viewfinder and took a photo which she developed into a 4x6. Then she worked on her under drawing which took her three days to complete.

The process was precise and rather daunting to me (maybe why I shy away from the still life). I tend to take things away from my backgrounds to make them as simple as possible. Then I can concentrate on my focal point - the flower or the plants themselves. Maybe I'll try her way because while I know how to get perspective in my landscapes and my seascapes I have trouble with the still life.

One way I learn is to try different techniques, different styles. I'm not strong on precise, detailed paintings -it's not how my brain really works. My work is representational yes, but I go in for a looser style. Maybe because I don't really draw well but more, I think because I'm attracted to color and the way color conveys the message of the scene.