The Old Masters, Standing in Awe

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Imagine a world where you put forth your best effort, study the techniques of the masters, apply what you’ve learned, then present it before the masters. Just as they did in the Salon in Paris, only this time all the old boys are there. All the masters wait for you to unveil your masterpiece. The moment comes, you pull the veil aside and all of them stand in awe of your work. You did it! They have set a standard of excellence which makes them and their work always remembered, and you are right there with them. They shake your hand and congratulate you. This could happen to any of you if you put forth the effort and remain focused on your art.

Next time, if you are wondering if your work is getting better, pretend you are presenting it in front of all these masters. Maybe even pretend as if you are submitting it to a contest with other artists. Your mindset will surely change. You begin to look at your work differently. I discovered this when I was submitting a photo for a contest. The pictures I had loved and thought were great, were only great to me. When I considered submitting them I saw them differently…ordinary…unremarkable. Tricking our mind into thinking we are sharing it with highly skilled and qualified artists gives us an advantage by allowing us to see our work in a different way. Put forth your best work, be proud of your accomplishments, and always continue to learn techniques which advance your skill level.

Row One: Matisse, Renoir, Caravaggio, Rubens, Picasso

Row Two: Cezanne, Van Gogh, Lautrec, Da Vinci, Michelangelo

Row Three: Raphael, Rembrandt, Degas, Bouguereau, Seurat