Quick tips: Write it down

It's the twenty fourth day of NaMoPaiMo and things are happening.

Good things.

Beautiful things.

Art things.

Everyone is in a hurry to get their model finished and added to the Winners' Circle.

But before we hang up our paintbrushes, there's one more thing we might want to do.

Jana Wright writes: Anyone else have the problem of forgetting how you painted a certain color? I seem to have that problem! I know you should write down your formula, but I tend to be "free and flowing" with my formulas and now it's starting to bite me in the butt. I'd like to recreate this bay on a different horse, and I can't for the life of me remember how I achieved this color five years ago.

Here's Tina DeCaussin's response: While I wait for my horses to dry, I thought I would share what I do while painting them. I have a notebook where I start a page for each new horse. I write down what primer I used and make notes on my color mixes, how many layers I do, what finishes I used, any additions such as blending gel, gesso, etc.  

I also add to my note cards for quick reference. It is very helpful not just for recreating the color later, but also for repairs should the piece require them.

I make notes for myself for events I paint for too - like NaMoPaiMo.  I am generally not very organized, but in this case I am.  

Tina's 2026 NaMoPaiMo projects - soooo close to the finish line!

Thank you, Jana, for the reminder and thank you, Tina, for the example. Now I'm going to have to excuse myself. I have a little non-blog writing to attend to!