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to do, let me make this point. Of all the things one must
remember when beginning to paint, it is that there was once
nothing where something stands. The newest fleeting
generation of humans stands on the shoulders of giants; they
understand what they have been taught because someone
before them spent a lifetime figuring it out. Be humble when
approaching this intimidating but absolutely freeing canvas. It
is not an enemy. Remember those artists before, and know
there are many things out there that will help guide talent and
detail. But nothing was ever discovered by simply sitting and
doing nothing. This is important, for many people will let their
freshly bought art supplies sit waiting in the dust for ‘the right
day’ and never return to the cabinets their brushes are stored
in. Be the change that is present in the world.
Every painting becomes a piece of time and still imagery, a
silent drama that unfolds under the viewer’s eye. To be tasked
into remembering that every stroke and blob of pigment might
be scrutinized under the finest microscopes of moral eyes is
devastating to the ego. So let it go. Let the mind wander. Let it
be bored for a moment. Forget everything and everyone, all the
floating minds and mindless pandering. Now that the pressure
has faded, it’s time to begin. If at any point in time that feeling