The early months of the new year always give rise to thoughts of what paintings lie ahead. Given enough hard work I anticipate coming up with something if not the elusive 'Big One'. I'ts also frustrating when, through other commitments and distractions, ones attention is taken away from painting. Even so, with one eye still on the job, a visit to London provided an opportunity to see an exhibition of portraits by Lucian Freud at the National Portait Gallery. Curious compositioins, muted colour schemes and bold handeling of rich paint provided much inspiration and food for thought. With so many exhibitions going on in London at the current time one felt spoilt for choice.