I just tried another still life—a white flower in a white vase and white background—the first time (Sunday) with a mix of brush and knife, the second mostly just knife. Have to admit, I think the second one is better. But one’s thinking gets clearer each time too.
I’m realizing that I want to stay focused on just color and shape and not get hung up on the subject matter. The knife helps with that because it’s so darn clumsy!
I’m starting to get the idea behind doing lots and lots of small studies–instead of big ambitious pieces–at least for now. More experimentation, more mileage, yeah, yeah, I heard it for years and thought I got it before!