Your eyes play tricks on you. Your brain wants to see it all - don't let it! If you want details in your painting, put them in later. Begin by tricking your brain into seeing less. It's simple. Squint! 

What is cause and effect? Every detail in your painting, every stroke, every colour and tone has a job to do. Pay attention to the entire painting to figure out what the effect of an individual stroke is and more importantly, what effect you want to create.

Read more to see the 8 things I know for sure...