Painting always seemed like a straightforward mashup of random hand movements. I would look at paintings in a museum and think to myself that the brush patterns were so simple that a four year old could do them. Not until my parents signed me up for art classes did I realize these random hand movements were actually significant. Each move, stroke, and color conveys a story about a character. Paintings are not just a combination of doing the right brush patters and showing the correct mood, they are also designed to make the artist learn how to control their thoughts and feelings in order to immerse themselves into the story they are telling. Artists require a special drive and grit that takes years of focus and practice to achieve in order to become professional storytellers. In the twelve years that I learned how to paint, I had some tough days. Each piece used to feel like it was the worst I have done. There were even days where quitting seemed like the only option. Remembering the strength and guidance that my parents and instructors instilled in me helped me get through the twelve years and become a talented artist. The paintings with simple brush strokes turned out to be a tough and rigorous art that requires strength and determination to master.