[Chris Saper]

Dear Pat,

There is very truly an immediacy to the life drawing format ( usually a 3 hour leash ) The freshness to be gained, very, very often offsets the likeness/accuracy of the result. It's important for evey painter to define the desired result.

In commissioned work, most clients seek likeness. (Most,artists, I think, are a lot looser)

Happy accidents are a delight. However, it's just as important to know to know why something succeeds, as to know why something fails.

Here is what will surely send me to the nether reaches of portrait hell: I don't really get the concept of creative juices. I work from the left side of my brain every bit as much as from the right side. I believe there is a logical approach to most of the decisions that need to be made throughout a painting's process.

Keep going, you are really on a positive trajectory!