I loved your idea about going around punching in numbers. I think it also makes you see the similar aspects of each painting - especially things like colour, light and brushstroke effect. Then, the rest of the narrative is filling what particular aspect of these (colour, light and brushstroke, etc.) is unique about one painting. The best moment for me was looking at the Menzel painting, third on the left when you enter the exhibition. The sheer loveliness of detail was amazing. Most importantly, it managed not be photographic. Photos by comparison seem glazed and flattened. Further, each character in the painting was like an individual photo on its own.

Before a major painting, I guess that’s what they mean by a “study” for it, several mini sketches and mini paintings. There is ultimate control drawing with subtleness into exaggeration.

Amit