When I begin a work, I usually establish what it's about;- i.e the basics of line and form are blocked in, sometimes over a monocoat of colour, or if I want a really pure light colour to be present in the finished work I will apply this directly on to a white base. As the work progresses I often lose control and direction in some parts and although this can be difficult to work through and resolve, it is where the creativity sets in and the original vision may evolve. When I am in 'the zone' I am not making conscious decisions, I just seem to know what to do.