I can imagine few tasks as lonely as painting. I believe this characteristic of my art form motivates painting classes, “plein air” excursions and painting clubs. Most artists are not hermits. They do not choose to work alone. If that is so, why is the public’s mental image of an artist one of a lonely soul working feverishly in a garret somewhere? Because that image rings true. Painting is a solitary process. It often begins with a visitation by the creative muse inspiring a

Surprise! The reason for painting is not to make a picture. The picture that results from the process of painting is a by-product. It may be a useful, valuable or interesting by-product but it is only a reminder of the past. The object of any true work of art, including a painting, is the attainment of a high mental and physical function (much higher than ordinary) that occurs while creating art. The results are important to the artist because they are records of an experienc