Wondering if I’ll remember

I know it sounds silly, but every time I start a new project, I wonder if I’ll remember how to do it. Not the sewing or quilting part, but the painting part. I always wonder if I’ll be able to paint smooth enough without making major mistakes that would force me to start over. Since I’m using transparent ink, there is no room for error. You can’t just paint over a mistake like with oil paints. So, I repeat to myself the same thing I tell the students in my workshops, “It’s just a piece of fabric.” And then, I take a deep breath and pretend I’m brave and I jump in.

That’s how it was yesterday. I took the plunge and put in the first layer of color in most of the “easy” areas. Basically, that means anything but the face and hands! If I was smart, I’d do the those first. That way I would know immediately if I needed to start again. Ah, well. Rest assured, everyone feels some fear and trepidation at some point in their journey.

So the first layer of color is in place. Next I’ll add more shadows and details. Then I’ll be brave and tackle the skin tones.