Second Glance

I have a challenge for you. Go through an art book. Or perhaps at a museum or down the street on walls-—just about anywhere really. Look for artwork. When you come across those you just want to turn to the next right away, pause! Have a paper and pen ready with you and write down what you don’t like about it. Anything that comes to mind. Why do you not like that artwork? Was the composition bad? Do you not like the colors or contrast? Do you not like the subject matter? Are there too many hard or soft lines? Are there too many or too few of objects? Was there skill in crafting it? Really evaluate and distinguish why you do not like about that piece. The same goes for a drawing or painting you DO like. You will find that in taking the time to understand these things, you learn and grow so much in yourself. Perhaps it will even spill into your own life, rather than left only to the paper and pencil or paints. You may not like a person for only their personality, but find they have great character. Would you have noticed if only you told yourself, I do not like that person, we do not get along. Now, I am not telling you that you have to get along and like everyone’s personalities. We each click with different people, and others not the same. Though, I find that it broadens my perspective and seeing people’s strengths, ideas, characters, and much more in a way I had not before. We miss so much, otherwise.

I owe the start of this journey in this challenge to a dear, and great artist friend and instructor. She is a beautiful person.