I don’t think I am a “perfectionist,” but I do have expectations of what I can, could, or should be doing; particularly when it comes to my art. 

   I struggle with it. Many times, my intentions do not line up with expectations.

   I want to do more.

   I know I can do more.

   I know I need to take more time.

   I officially retired some months ago. For many years I nurtured a retirement plan to create, to make art, to improve and expand upon skills and talents I have spent a lifetime developing.

   It is personal to me.

   Through the years I have attempted to continually learn more and develop what I can do. I does not always come naturally. This week I am, again, embarking on an attempt to redefine another facet of my art; it is what I do.

   Yesterday, before I got started on my next artistic adventure, I completed an oil painting I have been working on for almost a year. It has not been continual labour; I’ve been working on the piece as time, or life, allowed. Progress has not always been easy (or enjoyable), but there has been some satisfaction as I worked my way through the process.

   As I finished up the final layer of glaze last evening, I was reminded of something I wrote way back in 2015. Yesterday, it made more sense to me.

   “Art is not the result, it’s the reason.”

   Completing this one piece of art reminded me that, perfection be damned, I have so many more reasons to keep going.

© 2026 j.g. lewis