I had a bit of a frenzy painting session on this portrait today. There always seems to be a point within the painting when I seem to go mad with the colours and quickly cover large parts of the painting. That came today. I suppose its where instinct kicks in, takes over and the care goes out the window. I painted in the trophy, not too much detail there I thought, completed painting the hands and arms, again not too much details needed there either - merely an impressionistic appearance is all. In many ways it is easier to spend hours getting each detail correct, but there comes a point where I step back and say 'that's enough'. This point is coming earlier and earlier in each painting, that could be because I'm getting less fussy or simply more experienced. I have begun painting the background and added some shading at the back of the head. I am going away for a few days from tomorrow. Will take my art box with me and may leave this painting behind. It only needs some more background and it would be a shame to take it and risk getting it damaged. I will start sketching out something else whilst I am away. The children have been at their dads today. It was a bit of a haul getting them there and they did go under duress but despite lots of pleading texts from my daughter I think they will stay the day and come back this evening. It has been nice having some free time, though the ironing pile is still untouched (next job I promise). No valentines today, hardly surprising but I am relieved. I kind of dreaded the possibility of him sending me one - which would be the first since we met if he did! However, following last nights row it wouldn't have made it this far I'm sure.