Humble Beginnings
60 x 40 cm. (23.6" x 15.7")
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This beautiful woodland-bird is a Eurasian Jay. The jay is known for its love of acorns, which is why they call it "Jay of the Oaks in France (Geai des chênes). This one is resting on the moss-covered roots of an old oak with an acorn held gently in its beak. A simple scene, but one that hints at a profound underlying truth: great things always start small.
The acorn is a very interesting symbol. It is easy to overlook, yet it contains the entire blueprint of a future giant. Something small enough to fit in the palm of your hand eventually becomes a tree that outlives generations. Growth asks for patience, trust, and a willingness to invest in what cannot yet be seen.
I think the same is true of creative work. Every painting of mine begins as something modest. Lots of rough thumbnails, a few preliminary sketches, followed by the first uncertain brushstrokes on canvas for the block-in.
None of these early stages look particularly impressive, yet they already contain the essence of the finished piece. The final image is there from the beginning, hidden beneath layers of experimentation, mistakes, revisions, and quiet persistence.
We live in a world that celebrates results while often overlooking the countless small steps that make them possible. Yet nature works differently. The oak does not rush to become a tree. It grows ring by ring, season by season, trusting the process completely. Perhaps there is wisdom in that.
The progress images below tell the story behind this painting. From the first thumbnail to the final brushstroke, each stage played its part. They may seem insignificant on their own, but together they form the path that led here.
"Every meaningful journey, whether in nature, art, or life itself, has its humble beginnings."
FROM SKETCH TO PAINTING
Even the biggest paintings start with small thumbnail sketches. This is the critical phase where you start to figure out the composition of your painting. What's the best way to arrange all the different elements in order to get your message across? And how do you do so in a way that's aesthetically pleasing?
If done well, this thumbnail is your ticket to a successful painting.
But it's still a long road from thumbnail to finished painting. This is where hard work and perserverance come in. I love the process of painting, but it's a true test of grit. It takes countless hours to build layers, blend colors and push through those awkward, messy phases of a canvas. It is exactly this slow, methodical process that trains your mind to stay the course when things get tough.
The important thing is to stay true to your vision, and trust the process. Don't get lost in details but stay focused on the picture as a whole. Let the tiny acorn be a reminder that the difficulties we incur help us grow strong.
Great things always start small, so embrace beginnings and take joy in the journey.
"Mighty oaks grow from little acorns."
