It disgusts me to witness the proliferation of so many
un-original "art-works", many no more than blatant copies of works by celebrated artists, being force-fed to the public these days in the quest for the almighty dollar.
This fraudulent practice is far more prevalent than most people would realise.
I start each painting with the desire to learn something new. If that doesn't eventuate, one of two things has occurred (perhaps both!) : I wasn't thinking deeply enough about the job at hand or I wasn't breaking new ground. Paint applied mindlessly or in desperation is very unlikely to produce good results, and even if it does will we fully understand and remember why it was so? Clearly some concept as to how we wish the paint surface to appear is of considerable benefit.
To evolve, to improve, we must change. I see subjects everywhere, I continually strive to test the limits of my knowledge and ability. I find new ground and endeavour to break it and will never permit galleries or public opinion to dictate the terms! Set your sights high and don't labour over your work. Be prepared for failures and ruthlessly discard any work which does not reach your lofty expectations. I am accustomed to seeing such "failures" for what they really are:
evidence of another lesson learned and paint not wasted but well-spent!