New beginnings - hidden treasure

Each painting begins with a blank space - canvas, paper, or other surface. I like to compare it to ground under which there are hidden treasures.

When I paint or draw, I become an archaeologist and slowly dig out what was covered with sand. Each stroke and each line take me closer to that miraculous discovery. The sand's surface is even, tangible, ready to be disturbed. First comes the pencil and helps in finding contours of the treasure. Its moves are rather insecure, as if it was afraid of waking up some bad spirits of the past.