Morning Coffee, 7x5", Acrylic on watercolor paper, ©2012 Lucinda Howe

Do you have trouble getting started in your studio in the morning?  Do you wander around with a cup of coffee wondering what to paint?  Is it difficult to jump into a “serious” painting without a warm up?

When I had that feeling this morning, I started with what was in front of me and painted the coffee cup.  I made three of these small 5×7” paintings at the same time, painting over an old painting.  Focusing on a simple shape and color scheme, I painted quickly without worrying about how well they would turn out.  Once I had paint on the palette and a brush in my hand, it was easy to move on to larger pieces.