90% preparation 10% execution

I haven't posted a new painting for several weeks because the process of preparation is lengthy for me ... certainly much more involved than the actual application of paint. I've spent weeks developing a new concept for my egg shell series, and then almost another week creating an effective design and selecting a palette. I've transferred my drawing to watercolor paper and will begin painting fairly soon (once my gardens are weeded!). In the "old days" I spent little time in preparation. For some reason, I bought into the notion that good art is created during an inspired moment when the artist spontaneously and tornadically throws paint at the canvas and - voila! a masterpiece. Well, I guess that could work for a select few, but even they had years and years of traditional training before reaching that stage. I work better when it's planned and deliberate - not that I don't make spontaneous changes as I work, but those changes spring from years of study and practice. I sound stodgy and uninspired. But , I do find inspiration in my concepts and great satisfaction in transforming them into two-dimensional works of art.