So I had to step back and really look at why I felt the need to tackle this particular exercise. The difference I think was to not apply paint to the areas - allowing the ground (canvas, wood...) to be the integral ‘white’ space to the concept rather than fill that space with white paint.

Stepping out of the comfort zone...
I think the next artwork will have to be on a different ground without prep (ie no gesso) just straight to paint on raw material so that I really feel the ground come through and see what that reveals for me. In fact, that is what happens when working pencil on paper for the most part the white space is the actual paper it’s not put in. 

Do you ever do this ? ask yourself a question, think you’re doing something differently and then realize in fact you haven’t made a real change?! Not that there’s anything wrong with that as sometimes I think we just need movement and new motivation but if you implemented a shift in the way or materials or timing of something you already do, what might it do for you? Step out.