Art Blog #74: Great Things Are Not Done by Impulse: The Art of Perseverance and Consistency
10. November, 2024 - Reading time 11 Min. - Peter von Hauerland
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Art, like life, is a journey made up of countless small steps. When Vincent van Gogh famously said, "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things put together," he was giving us more than a reminder about art. This was a life principle, a philosophy for creators and achievers alike. This quote isn’t just about painting or sculpting or any singular pursuit; it’s about resilience and determination in all forms.
For artists, this truth becomes especially profound. Every brushstroke, every line etched, and every design modeled is part of a larger vision. Often, we might feel discouraged when we don’t see instant results, but the truth is, what we are creating is an accumulation of countless efforts. Each detail, each decision, no matter how small, builds towards something significant. Like individual stars coming together to form a constellation, it’s the combination of these little actions that make up our most impactful works. Try to keep in mind the following:
1. Great Art is Born of Small Steps
It’s tempting to think that great art, or any major accomplishment, is born from a single, magical moment of inspiration. The reality, however, is that it’s usually the result of numerous tiny steps, hours of work, and adjustments along the way. Van Gogh himself spent years practicing and refining his craft, and it wasn’t immediate success that drove him but rather his passion and relentless dedication to his vision. Every stroke, every color choice, every reimagined scene was deliberate and part of a larger journey toward mastery.
Consider this: Each time we create, we lay down a small piece of ourselves, putting in time and effort that may not yield immediate results. Yet with every stroke or click, with every draft and detail, we’re steadily constructing our legacy. It’s not a single grandiose action that brings us to greatness but rather a continuous investment in small, intentional actions.
2. The Power of Perseverance
If you’re ever discouraged by slow progress or by those who may not initially appreciate your work, take heart in Van Gogh’s reminder. Like many artists and creatives, he faced setbacks and periods of struggle. But he continued creating, always guided by his vision, knowing that his worth wasn’t defined by how quickly he saw success or recognition.
Every masterpiece, whether in art or in life, requires patience. Some of the most celebrated creators across history—Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh included—understood this well. Each brushstroke, each project they took on, wasn’t about immediate applause but about adding to something meaningful over time. It’s a powerful lesson for any of us who feel that we’re putting in work without seeing results: if we persist, we are bound to see the results we’re aiming for, often in ways we didn’t even expect.
3. Consistency as a Core Principle
Consistency is often undervalued, especially in a world that celebrates overnight success and instant gratification. But art, true art, is about showing up day after day, chipping away at a goal, and nurturing a vision, even when progress is hard to see. It’s the daily, sometimes tedious, repetition that strengthens our skills and clarifies our style.
Creating a body of work, whether in art, writing, or any field, doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency builds not only our abilities but also our resilience. Van Gogh didn’t paint Starry Night because he had a sudden burst of genius on a single night. It was the result of countless attempts, each adding to his expertise and his understanding of how he wanted to convey his perspective of the world.
4. When You’re Ready to Give Up
Let’s be honest; creative work is challenging, and there will be days when giving up feels like the easiest option. Remember Van Gogh’s words, and think of how much he must have leaned on this wisdom himself. He painted hundreds of pieces that went largely unnoticed in his lifetime, yet he continued. His belief in his art kept him going, even when external validation was nowhere in sight.
It’s natural to feel disheartened at times, but every artist, every creator, knows that this feeling is just part of the process. When we resist the impulse to give up, we’re embodying the resilience that Van Gogh so eloquently captured. The journey toward anything great requires us to keep going, to take the next small step, to lay down the next brushstroke.
5. A Tribute to Those Who Persevere
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things put together.” Let this quote serve as your guide and encouragement. Whether you’re an artist in a studio, a writer at your desk, or anyone pursuing a long-term vision, remember that success isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the accumulation of small, persistent actions.
Every major success is a testament to perseverance and consistency, and your journey is no different. Like a sculptor chipping away at stone, every small effort contributes to the whole. So, don’t give up, even when the path feels slow and lonely. Each small step is getting you closer. You’ve got this.