I still recall my painting instructor back in college urging me to ‘loosen up’. I was always a good copy-er. I could draw what I see. And with a photographic mind, I could draw what I see in my head. But it was tight and controlled. My latest attempt to get productive painting again – having limited time and energy – is to whip out these speed paintings. It helps beat the acrylic’s nature of fast-drying. Limited canvas prep – just rough out a sketch and start laying down paint with no specific direction. Happy accidents happen with a dirty brush and a sleepy hand. This portrait took about 2 hours from the time the circular saw cut the 8×10″ board to when I cleaned out my last brush.