Lesson 16

So far, we have not had a painting that has so obviously resembled a picture of actual things. This painting obviously resembles a reddish-orange sun in a yellow sky above a green earth. But notice: despite this obvious portrayal, at no time did I use any such names of things. Instead, the color-story process leads the student to the formation of color spaces that resemble the things. Hopefully, by now the student has become adept and comfortable enough with the brush and wet colors to follow the color-story process well enough that there is a fulfilling experience. It is a risk, though, when we see something and try to recreate it ourselves. In this case, they may see our painting and realize what we have created, even though we never call them sun or sky or earth. If they see it and make that inner determination to create these familiar pictorial elements, then they are at risk of feeling disappointment with the result.

So it is that we come at last to the real life lesson. Painting is just one more area where we can face that demon of self-criticism. These lessons provide us an opportunity to practice healthy inner balance and to help students learn about this balance as well.

Can we balance the ideals with reality? Can we have high goals, goals for which we strive with our best efforts and, at the same time, can we accept "mistakes" and/or "shortcomings" without falling into the pit of self-criticism, disappointment, and other forms of negativity? Managing this balance is a fundamental aspect of human life. So, first and foremost, we as parents and teachers must model this in our innermost being. It must be authentically true within us, not a pretense. Children can "smell" the difference. When it is authentic within us, then we are able to guide the young person in meaningful ways and they will actually listen to us, take our guidance, and learn from our insights as they have their own experiences in life.