Poetry Diversion

It's that time again... so here's a light-hearted take on that great poem "If" with sincere apologies to Rudyard Kipling. Hope it's not too corny - I gave it my best shot.

If you can make your mark when all about you,

Are falling short and blaming it on you.

If you can try to draw when all men doubt you,

A perfect circle or a straight line too.

If you can see and be inspired by seeing,

What others don't and only strive in vain,

Or being copied don't give way to copying,

And yet don't get too proud nor talk Artspeak.

If you can dream, transferring dreams to canvas,

If you can think and then make thoughts your muse,

If you can deal with Art-houses and auctions,

And treat those two imposters just the same,

If you can bear to see what you have painted,

Cliched by critics and misunderstood,

And be rebuked repeatedly by galleries,

Yet walk on to the next with worn out shoes.

If you can make a mess of most your drawings,

And though frustration rises not get cross,

Erase, to start again at your beginnings,

And not regret a moments effort lost.

If you can face up to procrastination,

And sit and paint 'til brain and limb go numb,

And when you stomach says there's nothing in you,

Break briefly for some food but then paint on.

If you can keep your shirt and get an agent,

And sell to kings - being sure to charge enough,

If neither foes nor loving friends can stop you,

From painting frequently but not too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving canvas,

With what looks something more than colours run,

You might become a rich and famous Artist,

Unfortunately - long after you're gone!

Don't take this too seriously. Art is not that intense, it's meant to be fun. It's just a crazy poem!

Check back again when I will progress the blog with more work or information on art technique.