We are all performers...

And we all play parts in life. No matter how big or small they may seem. Every action we make is added to the overall picture of life. We don't have dress rehearsals. We don't have read throughs. We certainly don't have do-overs. Well, perhaps we do for somethings. Like painting. One can always tweak the end results. And the beginnings are nothing but early do-overs waiting to happen. Paint layer covers paint layer. Tricks are learned or remembered. Changes are always happening once there is paint on the brush and brush in the hand. Just because you don't see the changes, don't assume they are not major. Perhaps a complete hue change. Perhaps an element is added. Perhaps an element of design is removed.
I have been painting again tonight. I discovered last night that if I put this small canvas close to the heating duct, it dries quick enough that I am able to paint again the next day. And the next... so as of the start of tonight's drying session, I am able to present the beginning of The Performer:

It certainly has a ways to go, but the basics are now ready for further development. I am starting to think it looks like another artist's work. But I have not meant for that to happen. Perhaps it is just from the shading. Perhaps it is from the flesh tone blending. I haven't decided yet.

I feel like leaving you with a few self-portraits I have done over the years. Enjoy!