Be prepared to be spontaneous??

I took this Portrait of my Great-Nephew "Little Man A" as he is called.

He is a great little guy! This pose was a bit of a happy accident. Something happened off camera right and he looked in wonder at what was going on. I was able to get this great profile shot of him. He has grown a lot in the 6 months or so since this shot. I'll need to take more portraits this spring!

I posted this image because it represents a theory that is becoming a grounding principle in all of my art be it painting or photography (or cooking for that matter). Preparation is the key to success. It is counter-intuitive I know, but the I find the best way to be ready for the spontaneous, crazy, happy accidents that make great art is to plan and prepare. I used to think the exact opposite that you needed to just roll with it and see what happens. I got this idea from how spontaneous and free looking the best watercolors are. As I painted more and more and realized just how many variables affect a watercolor painting and by having the color pre-mixed, a good drawing done and a value sketches figured out you can be there in the moment when the colors and the water mingle in just the right way and give you a chance to make that masterpiece. I guess Einstein was right when he said.."Genius is 99% hard work and 1% Luck,"

As I am writing this I guess it really applies to just about everything in life. What do you think?

Keep Painting (or photographing)

Carl