This is a picture of the still life that I am painting right now. I never ever used to use any photos to start my painting but my work has become complex in it's subject matter. I now use the photo just to lay out the big shapes in a rough version. It saves me time. In the initial set up of the still life it takes me weeks to decide what I am looking for and what visuals appeal to me. I have been dying to paint this punch bowl for whatever reason. I don't literally know what attaches me to ideas until I feel it inside. It surprises and delights me and then I am off. I love all the stuff and the relationships that I can explore. When I finish the painting I am almost disapointed that the adventure is over.