The Lion's Pride vol. 1 (Fall 2013) | Page 39

36 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