The Art of Doing and Not Listening

“Portrait of Jeff Falk” by Michele Bledsoe

 

When it comes to painting, my favorite thing to do is sit in front of a blank canvas and just start drawing.

Stream of consciousness.

I don’t plan anything out.

I don’t make preliminary sketches.

I don’t use reference material.

I let the drawing take me where it wants to go.

 

Many artists have told me that portraits are hard.

They tell me it’s difficult to get a likeness..

I don’t listen.

That is why I can paint portraits

and capture a likeness.

I never stop to think whether or not I can or can’t..

I just do.

Such is life.