A Fresh Perspective by Emily

A Fresh Perspective by Emily - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

As an artist, there were many times when I looked at what I was painting and could see something was not quite right. I looked carefully over every inch of the canvas searching for that imperfection, but I couldn't find what it was. I have been lucky to learn valuable lessons from many great educators, but it was my art teacher Mrs. Angela that helped me gain not only a new perspective with my paintings but in life.
As I was inches away from my canvas scanning all the small details, Mrs. Angela pulled me back and moved my painting into a new light. She would have me step back and look at the painting as a whole, and suddenly it would hit me; maybe the color was too dull in one area or the shadows didn't look natural. After finding it, it was a small fix and the whole painting would transform. While gaining a new perspective with your art is a wonderful skill, I have found that it has benefited me the most when I apply this theory to my life. Sometimes I am too close to the problem, and the best thing to do is step back and gain a fresh perspective. This was a wonderful lesson that has shaped who I am to this day.