It hit me as I was sketching tonight to just draw as accurately as I can.  There's no secret to any of it, just draw and practice.  The more I practice, the more I realize that it's the most simple things that take time to realize.

  Despite the rain today, I was able to get outside and do a small painting. It's another study of reflections and I spent about an hour on it.  I used a limited palette for this one and I've started to think about what colors I need instead of laying out a bunch of colors; this method saves colors and forces you to think about more creatively about color.  Also, if you suddenly realize that you need a red or whatever color, then just put some of that color on your palette.  The colors I used for this painting were the following: Silver White, Chrome Yellow Deep, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Van Dyke Brown and Ivory Black.
  I'm practicing my art as much as I can and I'm feeling happier.  I think of these paintings as capturing moments that I want to remember in the future.  I've always felt that good paintings capture moments much better than any photo could.
 I'm getting back on track with my art and I've been reading a lot recently also.  I'm currently almost done reading a great book called "The Republic of Pirates" by Colin Woodard; the book covers the golden age of piracy (1715 - 1725)-- I highly recommend it as a great read.  The other big component in my life is that I'm going to the gym very consistently, which has been helping me a lot.

  I just painted a small (7" X 5") oil painting and it was really enjoyable.  I always love painting reflections and I enjoy drawing and painting the ones that are in my fish's bowl.  It felt good to paint again.