Perseverance: Never Give Up on a Painting

By Thomas Matthew Pierson    

                Artwork can be a struggle; paintings can often take longer than you expect, and things can go not as planned.  My painting “POW!!! Right in the Kisser! -Peter Griffin- “(working title) is a testament to pushing through all the pain and frustration that can come from pursuing your passion.  There is a common misconception that art is fun and enjoyable that is partially true.  The reality is there are times when working on a piece of art is a massive pain in the ass. 

                “POW!!!” was one of those pieces.  I did not want to work on this piece, half way through I wanted to just give up.  Every morning I woke up to work on it and everyone morning I dreaded it.  The progress was so small from the day to day that it felt like nothing had changed in a week.  I was stressed out because I was working on this piece and I could not see the ending in sight. I knew what needed to be done, but the ways to do it were taking massively longer than I had anticipated.  I would cry in the studio, frustrated beyond comprehension, wondering when this piece will be over with. 

                It became a metaphor for everything I had ever given up on; I had to finish this piece.  Not finishing it would mean I would have squandered hundreds of hours and have nothing to show for it.  Finishing it would also mean that I can close a chapter in my life and have a sense of accomplishment for achieving something I would have never thought possible.  That is working on a painting for more than 6 months.  That is only how long back I can remember painting on this piece.  I know it has been years, Facebook memory photos keeps reminding me of the fact. 

                I learned so much through this painting, what to do, and what not to do.  I feel that this piece was a stepping stone to greater things in my work.  I know that the next few pieces are going to be groundbreaking visually because of this painting.  Even though I may have lost so many hours on this work, I believe I have gained a bit a wisdom out of it.