I know I don't really have the time for it, but I've really been wanting to get my paintings out and finish them again and perhaps start on a new one or two. Afyer my MFA Thesis show was over I started working as a photographer and painting became something I did when I found time and place. I began to rework all the painting that were in my show, but never really got into a good flow. I'd work winters in my basement, but its not a good studio and I never really got anywhere. A couple summers ago I began working on two or three canvases outside in my driveway, again, not the best situation. I did finish a couple new paintings in a different style for me--trying to find out how I want to be a painter. But i largely have unfinished works in my attic and basement, leaning against walls in my house and I'm getting sorta tired of living around them(as opposed to living with them!) Earlier this year I began thinking about trying to do a traditional style of painting. I'm thinking about Rembrandt and Carrivagio and Eakins and really thinking about darks and lights--building my paintings from thin dark paint to thicker light paint. In order to do this I need to start from scratch and not paint over an old painting that is already thick with paint. I mentioned this to my friend Rita and we agreed to at least work out an idea that might end up becoming a painting. Recently we made this image with that in mind...again I have no idea when I'll find the time, but I think if nothing else it is making me explore lighting in photography in ways I don't always us...so even if it doesn't become a painting, I think it will lead to pretty cool photographs. SayerMotter Photograph by Richard Sayer.