I am sure I am not alone in often not knowing how to start a painting. So I though I might need to find a process where the different steps and their purpose are well defined and easy to understand. I am also struggling - as many others - to simplify and loosen up my painting and be more relaxed in relation to my subject. I am grateful to @Paul Oram for guiding me in the direction of Andy Evansen. There is a lot of and about him on the 'net, so anyone interested can check him out (which I strongly recomment you do, if you haven´t already).

The last few weeks I have tried to understand Evansen's process by applying his principles in practice. I have made a lot of fast value studies, where I try to focus on the big shapes and connecting things. That is not easy, but well worth the effort. Yesterday I tried a "full circle" by also making a colour version. I am still only sketching, not aiming at a finished painting. But I can say I already notice some progress, especially in my approach to starting a painting. Having a reliable process to lean on feels reassuring and I am much more confident already about what to do and how. Below I post the other day's effort, just as an illustration. It is on a spread in my A5 sketchbook bound with Khadi paper. Don't feel any need to comment on this, but of course you are welcome to do so anyway.

Does anyone have a similar experience of applying a process? I guess all successful painters have one, even if not publicly defined. I would love to hear about your views on this subject.