Having been primarily engaged with landscape recently, an informal head study provided a good opportunity to apply spontaneous brush strokes and some unusual colour combinations. Having mentioned dealing with backgrounds in previous posts, the choice of a primary colour ground gave an interesting starting point. The sitting was for 30 minutes so no time to dwell unduly on composition or "getting things right". I enjoyed the vitality of the painting itself as well as the result. Not having the time to think things through on this occasion had a distinct benefit in producing, what felt like, a spirited effort.