Painting is like Golf, the fewer the strokes I take, the better the picture.
Painting is like Golf, the fewer the strokes I take, the better the picture.

Painting is like Golf, the fewer the strokes I take, the better the picture.

John Marin

The quote “Painting is like Golf, the fewer the strokes I take, the better the picture” draws an intriguing parallel between two seemingly unrelated activities: painting and golfing. At its core, it suggests that simplicity and efficiency often lead to greater success and quality in creative endeavors.

In painting, each brushstroke contributes to the overall composition; thus, minimizing extraneous strokes can enhance clarity and impact. The idea is that deliberate choices yield a more powerful result. This mirrors golf, where fewer swings ideally translate to a better score—indicating precision over excess.

This perspective encourages us to focus on quality rather than quantity. In both art and life, it’s easy to become bogged down by overthinking or excessive effort—layering too much paint can muddle a canvas just as taking too many swings can lead to frustration on the course. Reducing unnecessary actions allows for clearer expression and more direct communication of ideas or emotions.

Applying this concept in today’s world involves embracing minimalism in various aspects of life—be it in work projects where concise communication leads to stronger outcomes or personal development where focusing on a few key goals can be more rewarding than spreading oneself too thin across numerous pursuits.

In personal growth contexts, this might mean prioritizing core values or strengths instead of scattering energy across every opportunity that arises. It advocates for mindfulness—being present with each decision and action we take—and recognizing when less truly is more.

Ultimately, this quote resonates as a reminder that mastery often lies not in doing everything but in choosing wisely what we do choose to engage with—the strokes we make matter most when they are intentional and purposeful.

Created with ❤️ | ©2025 HiveHarbor | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Imprint | Opt-out Preferences

 

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?