THE YOUNG PAINTER STORY

A young painting apprentice who had just completed his course under a great painter was so excited and enthusiastic that he wanted to show case his painting skill to the world for approval.  He put all his effort and painted a beautiful scenery which took him three days to do.

After creating the art work he decided to display it on a busy street-crossing of that small town close to where he resides.He had just one goal in mind;  people’s opinion about his painting skills. And attached to the art work down below was a card board which read-”Good day passers-by, I have just painted this piece.  I might have committed some mistakes while giving out my best for this project, Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake and if possible leave a comment.”

Later in the evening, he came back to check his painting but he was completely down cast to see that the whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some left their negative written  comments on the painting.



Disappointed and frustrated completely he carried the portrait and cried to his master's home. Sobbing inconsolably he narrated the ordeal to his master and showed him the pathetic state of his creation which was filled with crosses and correction remarks.

The young artist began to say negative things to himself ”I’m  just so useless and couldn't make any good of what I've learn for three years.i don't think I’m worth becoming a professional painter. People have rejected my job completely. I hate my life”

The master smiled, dragged him closer to his chest and gave him some words of encouragement. “My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt a flawless painting.”  he assured him.The young lad felt taunted and sorry for himself as he thought all hopes was lost.

The master admonished him to do another job similar to what he just did, as he assured him there would be improvement this time around. The young artist reluctantly agreed and some days later  replicated the painting job and handed it to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled. ”Come with me.”he said.

 They got to that same  busy spot where his work was rejected and displayed the same painting exactly the way the previous one was positioned. But this time around  master took out another card board which read -”Good day passers-by, I have painted this piece. I might have committed some mistakes while working on this project. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor.  kindly pick up the brush and correct any mistake you noticed so far on this project”.  The master and the young apprentice walked back home.

They visited the same evening but to the young painter utmost surprise,no adjustment or correction was made so far. But master wasn’t satisfied as yet  he told his disciple “May be we should leave it for another day as they may be too busy to do the correction, lets come the  next day, so more correction would have come in, the master suggested.

The next day again they visited and still  found the painting remained untouched. The painting was kept there for a month and no correction was done.

Moral

It is easier to criticize, but difficult to improve.

More so, criticisms are room for improvement