I kept going back.

My great uncle taught me wood carving when I was 8 years old, he was a wonderful teacher, he would show me how to do and get me to try and it was very hard. I would mess it up all the time and he would just smile and say good try and then he would show me again and again until I finally learnt how to do it. Then my mother would arrive to get me he would show her my last piece and say how wonderful it was and appreciate how well I was progressing. He taught me well yet never once got upset or and told me how terrible my work was.

Encouragement is such a powerful tool and through his patience and encouragement I became a reasonable wood carver.

I see no place in the Art world for criticism, I do not know one Artist who was criticized by some insecure teacher who ever enjoyed it or learned anything from it other than it was a horrible experience and wanting to give up.

It says in ancient script, “The sweetness of the lips increases learning.”

The power to express thoughts in a kind and graceful language will add greatly to the power of learning.

Many say that criticism is the way to learn to paint but I disagree there are much better ways to teach people the Arts.

Teach with encouragement and instruct how to do it by demonstrating not by criticizing and tearing down.

Imagine if my old uncle had taught me by criticizing my work all the time, how long do you think I would have stayed?

I kept going back because he made me feel like I was improving when in reality I was a slow learner, he persevered with encouragement and appreciation and I learned a very difficult Art form.

Always be looking for ways to encourage other Artists and appreciate what they are doing, this is Art and we are all on our own journey of discovery.

Criticism only makes one person feel good the critic.

Sweetness of the lips makes the speaker and the hearer feel good.