[Karin Wells]

Adrian, I agree that formulas are not rigid rules. I think of them as a bit like learning to ride a bike...some of us (not all, but some) need training wheels until we learn to get it right.

When you really learn to ride, the training wheels will get in the way...just like those pesky "rigid rules."

Meanwhile, so many begining painters crash and burn...sadly, left alone to suffer from an untrained eye, they never learn to paint really well.

I feel that any help a beginner can get to produce a good result is valid. With a few successful paintings under their belt, so to speak, the beginner will gain the necessary knowlege and experience with which to judge what methods and techniques work for himself/herself.

Thank you for your kindly manner of disagreement, I appreciate it. Personal attacks over differences of opinion serve no useful purpose.