Nov
19
Living your life like painting a picture?
Filed Under Personal development, Fulfilling potential, Art and creativity, Reflection
My 76 year old Dad took up painting a year or so ago. This was prompted when a friend gave him a gift of one of his paintings. Now Dad goes to a painting club every week. He was tentative at the start but he has grown in confidence and one of his most recent works is hanging proudly in our dining room. He has learned a lot from his clubmates, is critical of his work and tweaks it as he goes, he looks at what other people are doing by visiting local exhibitions - and he thoroughly enjoys himself.
Apart from proving that you are never too old to learn a new skill something else came to mind when I was thinking about this. What if we followed Dad’s example with our own goals
- First he sketches the outline of what he wants to paint - very lightly and simply to start with using more definite strokes as he goes.
- Then he lays down some background to build the rest of the picture on.
- After that he mixes his colours and fills in the rest of the scene ( he likes water and harbour scenes).
- From time to time he stands back and looks at it from a distance so that he can see the whole picture and work out if he wants to make any changes.
- Then he lets others see it and asks for feedback and comments - taking those on board if he thinks they are helpful.
- Then he does the final touches and it is ready for display.
Think about this process in relation to your life
- Outline the idea - it will be “sketchy” at first
- Lay down some foundations ( background)
- “Draw” on experiences, research, share ideas with others to start filling in the plan
- Stop from time to time to reflect and look at what you are doing from a distance
- Ask for feedback and comments from those you trust
- Finally you have something which you are ready to share.
Jackie,
Very inspirational! Thanks for sharing your observations.
This reminds me of The 5 Secrets to Success:
Investigation and Learning
Commitment
Determination
Action
Sustained Effort.
Your Dad has figured this out for sure.
David
My Dad is indeed a very wise man. Thanks for sharing those 5 secrets…not secrets any more though!
Nice to hear from you David
Great idea - living your life like painting a picture! I like this comparison! And I will try to stick to it in order to put some of my ideas into life!
thanks for coming by Jess. Let me know how it goes!
:) yea!
Hi Daz - I assume you approve and having had a look at your website I see why!
Thanks for coming by
Jackie