I learnt of the death of Josiah today. He was only twenty something. I painted him on many occasions and sold all but one of them. The Dogs is hanging in the studio, I think I will hold onto it. Versace was an important painting for me as it won 50 over 50 and sold. It is a real tragedy that he is gone so young.

Sunday 15th November 2009

Day 2 of painting

I thought I would document this painting from start to finish. I missed the start but that was not that exciting. I am following my nose on this. The woman is Heidi Alavi, the hand is ambiguous, I will work that out later. I started with the hand and had I been brave enough I would have left the painting there.

Monday 16th November

Went to Anish Kapoor & Wild Thing at the Royal Academy this morning and Auerbach at the Courtauld Institute. Only started painting at 3.30. This is progress to date

Sunday 22nd November 2009

No evidence of a great deal of progress but there is some hard work in there. Spurs 9 Wigan 1 (Wigan’s goal should have been disallowed. We demand a replay.).

Monday 23rd November

And now to decide upon the next development of the painting.

Tuesday 24th November

A good but slow progress.

Wednesday 25th November

....and the other boot.

Thursday 26th November 2009

Friday 27th November

In a state of indecision. Wet paint and original idea of red swathe of oil paint obliterating half the painting in doubt. I will wait and think about it.

Saturday 12th February 2011

I have been working on the painting again changing the tone and colour of the ground as well as repainting Heidi′s face. I think I am happy with it now. I have even re-titled it from Untitled, in flux to La Dolce Vita.

And on to the next painting