Great Expectations for Yourself!

Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results according to Albert Einstein is insanity. I strongly disagree. I am no genius but "insane," really? That is harsh and untrue. Creating new habits is easier than breaking from old ones. Committing myself to new experiences maybe a stretch to expect something different. However a good stretch is just what I need and regularly to be like a well-oiled machine. 


The outcome will be different, maybe not what you desire or expected but it is not "getting the same results." The brain of a child continues to expand its neurons with new experiences. As adults our older minds adapt and rewire with new experiences building neurons and new connections, a different result. 


I have enjoyed a successful career as a fine artist, not as well known as my father, Jim Savage, of the Western Art and Gift Gallery of Sioux Falls but we had different goals in mind. I moved from fine art to web design and computer generated graphics in the 90's. After 30 years I am starting again as a fine artist with "how-to-paint" books. I am educating myself to understand color theory and how light interacts with the colors.


The status of two of my paintings has reverted back to unfinished. Looking at them with a new eye and no attachment to where they end up. Great expectations for a different outcome is in progress.


A blank canvas or sheet of drawing paper makes me consider what do I want to create?  It can feel like going around in circles, thinking too much instead of simply doing. However it is kind of fun getting out my paints and studying a new style. I can throw them away just like it did when I was in school and was trying to accomplish a lesson to be satisfied enough to hand-in.


"It's what Yeats called the fascination with what's difficult. I'm only trying to do what I can't do." excerpt from Portaits by Michael Kimmelman.


Having great expectations for yourself is difficult and well worth trying. Off to workout with my daughter, I know the results and it works well!