Forget self-discipline, try 'imposed' discipline.

The good side to grant writing

For the last several years, I’ve set and failed at my New Year’s goal: to learn to draw the muscles of facial expression. I felt better after learning the actual percentage of people who make resolutions is high (40-50%), but the number of people who actually keep them is 8-12%. This year, I knew I’d probably need some extra focus.

I got the book The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression and started studying it (med school style with highlighters, notes, and charts). I committed to spending a month learning each of the 6 major expressions in my sketchbook. I even created an art accountability group with my artist friends to help achieve this goal. I was doing so well the first few months, but after month 3, I realized I needed more reinforcements.

Then, I came across a unique grant opportunity for emerging and established artists. As a community doctor who doesn’t do research, the last time I wrote a grant application was over twenty years ago when I was in medical school. So, why was I so interested in this particular opportunity? Well, the deadlines, of course!

When you apply for a grant, you must spell out what you will do, prioritize the steps, think about potential outcomes, and set deadlines. You have to set a timeline to accomplish all you say you will and then actually complete them.

I thought this worked so well in medicine and academia, so why not try it out for my art development? I decided to apply for this grant, and to my surprise, I received it.

The grant involves spending the next year improving my techniques in depicting facial expressions. I will study the muscles of facial expressions via books and online classes, attend an art workshop, and complete 5 works depicting what I’ve learned. Ultimately, I want to improve my ability to tell more engaging stories with my medical art (narrative medical art). I’m excited because now I have a plan and a timeline.

I don't know why I am obsessed with painting faces and facial expressions. Maybe I am trying to figure out the person. Maybe I love how the slight contraction of a muscle can change the whole expression of a face. Maybe I love how we, as human beings, can convey so many emotions without saying a single word.

Here are a few pieces I submitted for the grant proposal.

“Boredom,” oil on canvas 9 X12

“Surprise,” oil on canvas, 9 X 12.

‘Concentration,’ oil on canvas, 9 X 12

‘Determination,’ 9 X 12 oil on canvas.

‘Monday morning quarterback,’ 9 X 12 oil on canvas.

Thanks for reading this far! Hope to see you next month. Stay well and keep creating.