Ian then paints over the scatter gilding and the shape of the painting becomes clear.
"To that end, I built up the blue base, introduced gilding and was pleased with the results. However, it was decorative but told no story. I worried over it, I tried it in different lights, but something was lacking. Then I lost my temper with it. Using a splayed sable brush, I started applying washes of turquoise and green. I worked for an hour before settling down to read my book. When I looked at it again, it was changed. Thankfully for the better."
