4:30am

     It's 4:30am and I'm up.  I was awake at 4:00 and tried in vain to go back to sleep.  I am obsessing I think.  I wonder if this happens to other artists.  When I am working on a painting, it occupies my mind pretty much completely.  I have to set a timer to make myself take breaks, and to stop for the day.  At night, my dreams are all about the painting I am working on.  Last night was no exception.  I was dreaming about the lines in the sky, and how to make them look like snow.  Then I wake up, and think some more about it... and try to stay in bed and not run down to my studio and paint in the middle of the night.  I think that might be a bad habit to start.  :)

     Please don't get me wrong, I love early early mornings, and to be able to think about a painting is bliss for me.  I was also rewarded this early morning, as I took Zeus out to do his business, with.... snow.  The first snow of the season.  Kind of curious because this painting I'm working on now is inspired by my anticipation of snow.  Interesting.  

     Being able to think, ponder, mull is a gift that I enjoy with all my heart.  I have learned that spending time thinking through a painting, taking my time with a painting produces a satisfying result.  When I make myself stop after a certain number of hours, and take a break until the next day.... i come up with some of my best ideas.  I do have to admit though that if I take too long a break... i get a bit antsy.  It is as if I cannot not paint.   :)