A lot has been written about Captain Chesley Sullenberger or "Sully" and the incident that has come to define his life. And of course, now there is a movie about how he and copilot Jeff Skiles faced a crisis on January 15, 2009. On that day they were faced with a life or death decision. Sully was the pilot of an Airbus A320 when the plane hit a flock of geese shortly after take off and both engines were lost at 3,000 ft. over heavily populated New York city.
Sully was able to successfully glide a 75 ton Airbus into the Hudson river without loss of life on board or on the ground. What made him the right person to be in this position? The answer lies in his life that lead up to this moment. It is a lesson for all people but I looked at it through the eyes of an artist and particularly as an painter.
Flying has been a lifelong passion that Sully actively pursued from the age of 5 when he assembled his first model airplane. He sought training and had a mentor. He received his flying certificates at the minimum age and logged many hours of flying time before he entered the Air Force Academy. In military debriefings they were brutally honest with each other so that they could determine how the next flight could be better. When Sully faced that flock of geese, he had 42 years and 20,000 hours of diverse, intensive training and experience.
Now, there is no question that Sully masterfully handled the situation. So, how does this apply to becoming a master painter, sculptor, musician, or actor? Sully knew his passion just as many of us knew it the first time we picked up a crayon, played with Play Doh, or danced to Sesame Street. Anyone who knows his/her passion from an early age is truly blessed. Follow your passion. It is a gift.
Sully sought training in many types of aircraft. As an artist there are many paths to the required training. I believe that you should spend a period of time exploring different art forms, techniques or media so that your style can emerge naturally. Then put in the time to learn your chosen craft. Get the appropriate education and mentoring. I don't believe that artists are born. We have to learn our craft like every one else in this world.
How many of us are brutally honest with ourselves after the painting process? Evaluate your work so that you can identify your weaknesses. That is how you make the next painting better.
Take time to just practice a weak area without the pressure of producing a masterful work of art. Many hours of good practice leads to skill in drawing, value, perspective, composition, etc. You have to put in the quality time at the easel! However, if it is truly your passion, you won't have to force yourself to do it because it is something you love to do.
So, follow your passion, get the appropriate training and mentoring, evaluate your work regularly, and put in a lot of quality time. Those are lessons for anyone!
Here I am putting in the easel time. There is nothing like painting from life.
Sue and Suzy Flanagan (the artist with a split personality)
Reference: "Sully Speaks Out" by Carl von Wodtke, Air Force Times newspaper 9-19-16
