Champaklal Speaks

7 November 1935

I am not able to do drawing or painting steadily every day. I get the feeling that I am not competent to do it; it is not in my line. I see X has progressed much and is able to produce fine pictures even though he has not learnt or studied much about art from others. He has a special capacity for it. Probably that is lacking in me and so I am not making any progress nor am I able to work at it steadily. I would like to know from Mother whether what I feel is true.

No. It is true that X has an instinctive artistic sense but also he has spent much time on painting and given much attention to it, so he has progressed fast. He has also great self-confidence.

The artistic sense can be had by training—the capacity you have, but it has to be brought out more and more and disciplined by study and practice. By development you will get self-confidence.

7.11.1935

Sri Aurobindo