When I begin a painting I always feel that it has the potential to be great.

This is seldom the case. I`d say only one in ten of the paintings really are worth looking at twice. The rest are like practice runs.

Of course, by definition, the average painting will, necessaritly be just that- average. All one can sensibly hope for is a general rise in quality, and that one doesn`t become despondent, or stop enjoying the activity for its own sake.