I Paint Like a Movie Plot

I just realized that the process by which I paint is like your standard Hollywood movie plot.

1. In the early stages we are introduced to the characters and begin to build an understanding of the interrelationships and potential plot.  Translated into paint-speak I’m blocking in the values to get a grasp of composition and how things sit in relation each other spatially.
2. We start to know a little more about the characters/situations and at this point, we have made a connection with the hero and now feel empathy towards him/her.  On the canvas things are starting to take shape as I introduce colours.  I’m starting to feel pleased with myself.
3. Suddenly things take a downward spiral.  Our hero faces a desperate situation.  How will he/she prevail?  At this point something somewhere has gone wring with the painting.  This usually happens about three quarters of the way through the process.  My faith starts to waiver and I ponder the possibility that this piece might be consigned to the pile of “lessons learned”.
4. Just when things seem to be at their darkest the hero thwarts the bad guy(s) and wins the day.  After what seems like a nothing stroke everything is magically pulled together and I end up with a painting I’m pleased with.
5. Roll credits.  I sign the painting.

Before you ask: yes, the downward spiral happens on pretty much every piece I do.  Some worse than others.  At least there’s almost always a happy ending…