Showing up.  That’s all I have to offer. I look around my studio, settle on a book about exploring the Nile and look for a face.  I resist the temptation to research it.

The hooded eyes, the broom-sized mustache, and the highlighted, rounded chin (not to mention the medals and sash) attract me.  I lay down Neutral Gray N5, which looks brown to me, covering the page.  Using a black Stabilo Aquarellable pencil, I carve lines into the paint before adding more color — Carmine, Chinese White, Lamp Black.

Quickly, brushes devolve to fingers.  It feels like sculpting.

I don’t use my space well — no room left for medals.  No matter.  I move paint until something interesting emerges and the paint says Stop, let me dry.