Let Monet Inspire You to be Creative Today

The Impressionists faced nearly insurmountable obstacles and ridicule as they pursued their creative dreams, yet they continued to make their paintings.  Let their story inspire you today.  

Impression, Sunrise is a painting by Claude Monet. Shown at what would later be known as the "Exhibition of the Impressionists" in April 1874, the painting is attributed to giving rise to the name of the Impressionist movement. --Wikipedia

​The painting above, Impression Sunrise, is one of the most famous paintings in the world and is considered the painting that garnered the Impressionist movement's name.  It is an amazing painting executed with complete confidence and economy.  The feeling is of a beautiful dawn with the sun just rising over a quiet harbor.  However, the critics hated this painting.  The Impressionist painters were an affront to the French government's stiff and traditional ideas of beauty. 

Here is a quote from one critic about this painting:   
Impression — I was certain of it. I was just telling myself that, since I was impressed, there had to be some impression in it ... and what freedom, what ease of workmanship! Wallpaper in its embryonic state is more finished than that seascape.   -Louis Leroy

Imagine if Monet had given up then and listened to those critics who could not see his vision.  The Impressionists often lived in dire poverty and faced such ridicule.  It would have been easy to give up.  No one would have blamed them.  They could have gone on to take jobs in the business world and have been forgotten by history.  However, true imagination knows no bounds and lives far ahead of convention.  Those Impressionists , thankfully, persevered and pushed through their doubts. 

You can learn from those old painters.  Be creative today.  Put some paint on a canvas or nail some wood together.  Develop a project and see it through.  If you have an idea that has been germinating in your head, but you have been holding back because of your own self doubts, or the criticism of others, then today is your day.  Think of the Impressionists and make some bold strokes in your life! 

If Monet had listened to his critics, the world would never know his amazing paintings.  If you don't follow your creative voice and make the work you were meant to make, the world may never know the gifts you have.  Be bold today and go for it!