Yesterday I attacked a painting with a heavy black line and I feel so much better for it. I had been working on a painting inspired by a sketch and realised that, in the process of painting, I had lost almost anything that excited and inspired me about my original drawing.

Put a paintbrush in my hand and I try to be delicate, controlled, painterly - and those are things I don't do well. So, in a kill or cure moment yesterday I got out a too-thick paintbrush and the black paint and had some fun.

It still needs some work, but I am so glad I followed my urge, even with the fear that it might be the ruination (is that a word, and if it is, is it the right word?) of the painting.

I love (and am lucky to own one of) the work of the Lorenzo family in Mexico and this is where I aspire to be in my painting style.

I am getting there.....slowly! (realising it and admitting it is the first step!)