Lines or No Lines

Some subjects require careful drawing on the paper prior to painting them.  Other subjects merely need a light sketch to indicate placement and size.  But sometimes I like to start in painting with no pencil lines at all, rather just a firm idea of where everything will be.

On the topic of erasing the pencil lines after the painting is completed.  Most of the time the paint covers up the lines.  In lighter values, though, sometimes the lines remain visible.  That doesn't bother me at all.  In fact, I think that it is interesting to see the plan that the artist had. 

Be careful not to become an artist who colors inside the lines.  Just because you've drawn a line doesn't mean you can't leave an edge soft or merge shapes by using the same values where they meet.

Above all, be flexible.  If you do use a line drawing, don't become a slave to it.  Evaluate and adjust the plan as you proceed.  Rigidity makes for a very mechanical look.  Swing that brush and splash away!