How is a Failed Painting Helpful?
1/22/2023 11:32:00 AM
Perceived failure is oftentimes success trying to be born in a bigger way.
The quote above was in a fortune cookie. I smiled as I read it thinking how appropriate for artists and a good thing for us all to remember. Perceived failure is common in a student’s attempts to learn. When we have a perceived failure, we often are on the cusp of learning or developing skills beyond our current status. While we feel bad about a failure, we should look at it as another step towards our goal for excellence. We can learn from it!
The painting on my easel was a failure. It is now purely experimental. I have no goals in mind of it turning out to be a painting to frame and sell. If that happens, I will be surprised. However, within this painting, I have learned a few things that I will be able to include in future works to make them successful. I do not consider my time a failure as I've learned.
I find sometimes that students don’t turn in their work for critiques because they think “it isn’t very good”. I am always dismayed at this thinking as I cannot think of a better time to request help. This is the time that an instructor can provide the best personal input for your understanding and to help jump start your attempts at building skills. Never be ashamed of your work or afraid to share your work with your instructor. He or she is there to help you. A critique is not a judgement but rather assistance noting ways you can strengthen your thinking, understanding and skills. A good teacher will be helpful, not dismissive or unfairly judgmental. In my classes, I critique each student based on their experience and skill level and strive to be very positive in ways that help build confidence and skills. If done right, it’s a win win for us all. Be fair with yourself. We are all learning, and our perceived failures are part of our successes.
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