I understand the need for underlying layers to give depth, but how do you have “play” or “experimental” layers if you want to paint something more realistic or have an outcome in mind?

The primary way we learn and continue to improve in our art is by experimenting. We stay engaged and excited about making our art if it is changing and we are continually making new discoveries. I teach a process that encourages a beginning stage of experimentation for these very important reasons. Of course, this is just a helpful recommendation, not a rule or even a principle. Everyone’s art can and should be made according to what works best for each artist.

One of the benefits of spending some time working in an experimental way is that there will be additional visual history and depth to your art that more often than not, will enhance your original planned outcome. If you have an outcome in mind from the beginning, just try and hold off initially from pursuing it to give yourself and your art the  benefit of discovery and richness that often comes with experimentation. Then after, just proceed as you normally would in creating what you originally envisioned.