The painting is about one-quarter complete.

I think it’ll take about four painting sessions to finish the piece. It’s small, only about 5 inches by 7 inches, but it’s so cold outside that I can’t work long enough in any one session to cover very much canvas.

I’m starting to feel strongly about NOT using a camera to get between me and what I paint, even if it’s hard to work outdoors during this time of year. As much as I love my new camera, it seems crucial to recognize when not to use it. When I paint from photos, the painting doesn’t have a life of its own. It’s certainly easier to paint from a still image that doesn’t move around, working in a warm room, but I’m determined not to let myself backslide into that.

I’m about one-fifth of the way into a portrait of a nine-year-old neighbor as well. That’s a different kind of challenge: I can work indoors, but I have to interact with my subject to keep her comfortable and help her learn to sit still. I won’t post that work here, or at least not unless her parents feel fine about my doing so.