Progress Through Mistakes

From Judy, a 2-year painting student of mine:

"A man learns to skate by staggering around making a fool of himself; indeed he progresses in all things by making a fool of himself." - George Bernard Shaw

"In my previous lifeI used to consult with Fortune 500 companies on how to help employees learn faster. One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of learning while doing. In fact the other interesting thing I learned was that by doing something and getting it wrong, you learn much faster than doing something and getting it right! The trick is to make as many possible mistakes as you can in the shortest possible time.  Strange but true!" - Barry John

I couldn't agree more.  What is confidence other than graceful falling?  Or even more so, not being afraid to fall.  When we acknowledge our process we learn to move forward and that the falling will not hinder us for long on the way to our goals.

Thank you Judy!

June Sunflower, 9" x 12", oil on canvas panelThis demonstration for a class became a painting.  Not all demonstrations become paintings, but standing in front of studens, sharing what you know, requires not being afraid to do it wrong.  I am, like my students, constantly learning as well.