[Linda Nelson]

Salut,

Yes, one challenge I have is to have the patience and attention as much with the surroundings as I do with the subjects. I lose interest, and it shows.

I am currently working on two paintings where I am intently trying to stay as committed to the background as much as the subject.

The last time I was in Paris I saw an exhibition of Picasso. I love his work, and personally, one aspect that I saw in his work is that he too seemed to have little patience for "completing" a work - for example his Olga painting or of his son Carlos in the harlequin outfit. He leaves out the finishing the background, and will even not complete the subject themselves (i.e. limbs). I think that his cubist period for him was a real breakthrough in that regard - a successful way to incorporate the background in the the composition - make it part of the subject! Anyway, I'm certainly not Picasso, but I found solice in seeing how he makes a successful painting while conceeding to his impatience to "complete" a work.

I'm still working out my own style on what to do with the surroundings.

Thanks for the comments Sergio.

Linda