I just finished teaching a workshop on "Still Life in Oils" at the Emerald Art Center in Springfield, OR.  I'm always going over in my mind what might be useful for future workshops.  One thing I have been aware of recently is the lack of drawing in my daily schedule.  I used to draw constantly.  And I think the drawing helped my painting.  But, thinking I would save time and paint faster, I've eliminated one basic step in preparation for the painting...the drawing.  Sketching ideas for painting is a great way to get inspired.  One idea leads to another as enthusiasm builds.  Making a drawing in preparation is an easy way to work out composition and lighting ideas.  This is especially useful when I don't  have the subject right in front of me for reference.
A while back my mom showed interest in a small painting I'd done of an antique silver "olive picker" with green olives.
The painting had already sold.  So, going from the basic idea in the first painting, I did a sketch with some changes here and there of the same objects.  With that sketch in front of me, I did the complete painting in just a few hours.  Guess what mom in getting for Mother's Day.
The painting went so fast and easy.  And the drawing was fun!  If you have been goofing off  in the drawing department of your studio get those pencils and erasers out.  A good sketch is a good road map to good painting.  Best wishes and a Happy Mother's Day, Jerry