The Idea
The Feeling
Not the topic — the emotion. What should the viewer FEEL?
The Scene
Who, where, when, doing what. Specific enough that someone else could stage it.
The Moment
Which instant? Just before, during, or just after the key event?
The Figure
The Body
Posture, hands, gaze. What does the body say that the face doesn't?
The Second Thing
What else is in the frame that creates tension? (Empty chair, phone, window, second figure...)
The Craft
Light Strategy
Direction, quality. What's lit? What's hidden?
Color Notes
Warm/cool? Limited palette? Key color?
Master Reference
Which painting solved a version of this?
The Stealable Move
What specific technique are you borrowing?
The 2026 Detail
What makes this unmistakably NOW? (Phone, clothing, setting, objects...)
The Why
Why This Painting Matters to Me
The personal reason. Not for the artist statement, for you.
Composition
Composition Sketch (at least 3 variants)
Timeline
Month 1: ___ Month 2: ___ Month 3: ___