Although I work with a prefigured plan, so often the painting leads me in its own direction. It can even lead me in a completely wrong direction. With wide sweeps of the spatula, I apply paint in thick layers, but sometimes, if the painting is stubborn, it takes many more layers than planned. But those most stubborn paintings – usually after despairing and just when you think you will give up – become one of your best works. Mistakes are often times the best teachers.