I can not seem to tell myself enough how important the everyday drawing practice is. I often heard from people that they could not use colors well... I think, mostly,  the real problem is the drawing. By drawing I don't necessarily mean "line drawing"... In general I mean the accurate shape, the accurate value, the accurate observation of the subject. Only through this drawing practice, shall we succeed in producing a good painting.

In painting "Bill", I think I nailed the drawing at the first 10 minutes... Only after that did I feel free in applying the colors I saw on his face.

I cherish every opportunity that I have to train my eyes in observing my subject in terms of shape, value, color, edges, etc.