The source. The reasons. The principles of color, composition, design, application, and many reasons more, as to why I apply the paint the way I do. Several books that are laid on my studio floor, from the lower right, curling back to the upper left, are books on Diego Velasquez, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, John Singer Sargent, Edgar Degas, and, one of my works as a study. These most importantly, and a number of other reads are great guides. Although I can not physically carry these books everywhere, their principles are as much in stride as can be exemplified.