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December 17, 2025
‘Don’t be disheartened by mistakes’: 10 lessons my artist father taught me
David Gentleman’s brilliant career spans eight decades, from watercolour painting to tube station murals to drawing the Tottenham riots. Here his daughter, the Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman, dispenses his invaluable advice
TL;DR
- Build a life and career around something you are enthusiastic about.
- Ideas come from actively working, not waiting for inspiration.
- Seek inspiration by getting out and observing the world.
- Appreciate the sky and natural details.
- Maintain an organized workspace for efficiency.
- Painting can involve more than just conventionally beautiful subjects.
- Stay curious and observant, even in challenging environments.
- Embrace difficult projects to stretch your abilities.
- Find joy in observing the natural world, like blossom.
- Keep experimenting, learn from mistakes, and persist through challenges.
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