Before I proceed to throwing paint, I go back to the photograph and the quick notan study to determine where I would like my darkest darks.
Now for the fun part! I enjoy accidents. I find there are more happy accidents when I use more than one gray so I arrange bottles within easy access. Two sets of grays and the original pure colours. Next, I select a brush and begin to fling paint at the surface, carefully aiming (without a lot of accuracy) at the areas I have chosen to be darker than the rest. I make sure the brush (usually a #10 round) is clean each time I change colours. Throwing paint heals the soul.
Once I have thrown sufficient paint at the panel I pick up my spray bottle and begin turning the canvas as I spray. The gobs of paint become drips and the drops turn into branches twisting into a mayhem of twigs and stems. Judging whether I add to the chaos, I may begin throwing paint again. Perhaps a third time will be necessary after it has dried. At this point, the pure colours are often the last ones.
Placing the canvas on the table I wait for the paint to form puddles. There are certain areas where I do not wish the paint to collect, in particular along the edges. Using a piece of paper towel, tissue or toilet paper I remove the excess water before it creates a visual problem.
I step back to get a distant look at the vague value shapes and decide to let it dry. Occasionally I return to check on edges and puddling in the wrong places. Once dry I place them at the end of the room to determine whether another throwing paint session is in order.
