First Baptist Church of Herndon

A Minor Detail

Linda Soller | May 01, 2023

Often when you find yourself saying “a minor detail” you are being sarcastic. An example can be found in my continuing saga of learning to paint with watercolors. I’m now in my second book for beginners, and watching three different painting shows on TV, recording each so I can rewatch multiple times. In the newest book and in all three shows the instructor points out the importance of sketching. I sarcastically say, minor detail. How did I start this endeavor without realizing the significance of being able to draw? Why did I think I would pick up a brush and suddenly create a picture which accurately caught the subject matter while following the rules of perspective? What was I thinking?

In life as in art some may be required. In art that planning often comes in the form of drawing or sketching and having your basic materials. You begin with a sketch of what you want to do, where you want things placed, how you want things shaped, and so on. In watercolor the sketching regularly remains in the final work. For this reason, it is important that a sketch intended to be a boat actually looks like a boat.

In life your planning may not require a pencil, but planning is often the rule of success. You consider what you want or need to do. You think about what your finished project or day will look like. You may use a list. You ensure you have the supplies you need in your car before you head out on errands. When you don’t do these things and you find yourself missing a critical piece of the puzzle, you understand the sarcasm behind the statement, a minor detail.

Learning to balance the known against the unknown is part of the answer. Checking a variety of sources can be very helpful. Being committed to reach your destination is key. And in my case, having to now learn to draw is required, a minor detail!

Be the love in the world  : )   Linda