I think part of the trouble I had with the disastrous apples was the paper I was using. I know a craftsman shouldn't blame their tools but I was using a cheap sketchbook as it was only supposed to be just a quick exercise. I have a cupboard full of good quality sketchbooks and watercolour pads but I have been reluctant to use them in the past. Not sure quite what I am saving them for!! I have decided to use them and enjoy them now and I'm sure that the puddle problem will not occur again. Time for frugality is over.

Never give in Ann, especially if daytime TV is the alternative! We've all had bad paintings and many of us still do. I always remember that one of the 20th Century artists I admire, Edward Seago, left instructions in his will that one third of all the works in his studio should be destroyed. He was obviously of the opinion that at least one third of his output, after a lifetime of learning and practicing, was not up to the standard he had set himself and didn't want it to be part of his legacy. His standard might be different but it demonstrates that everyone has work they don't value no matter how good their main body of work might be.

Well there you are - they tell me that if you fall off a horse, you should get back on again to regain your confidence (mind you, I knew someone who did that, and the wretched beast threw her off again... so much for confidence, eh...?). Fortunately, painting only shreds our nerves and doesn't leave us with broken limbs. There was a painter named Richard Cusden, who had a television series many years ago; he painted a picture, showing us all the stages it went through, and at the end of the programme took a Stanley knife and sliced through it, saying "and this is what you should do to complete rubbish". It was a valuable lesson - here was a professional artist who acknowledged, and publicly, that he'd just, basically, bogged it all up! As Alan says - it does happen to all of us. Doesn't matter if you're a beginner or have been painting for 50 years, sometimes things just don't work. And sometimes you don't know what on earth to paint or draw - but when that happens, as it will, draw/paint ANYTHING - your hand, your foot, the cat, a tin of pilchards, it doesn't matter; anything to get the hand and eye working in partnership; it nearly always works, like warming up before taking exercise. And if it doesn't, well - this may just not be your day: do something else instead. I don't believe in forcing it if you really aren't feeling like drawing or painting: it makes the whole thing a chore and you will muck it up and disappoint yourself.

Well done Ann, it does happen to all of us at some stage but you have dug your heels in and rose to the challenge. I'm always getting artist's block and I do know how difficult it can be to get motivated again, however I always pull through it each time and usually come out with all guns blazing. Well done anyway and stick with it.