In Art School

We were told to squint our eyes.  

Squint, to wipe away those minute details that take our attention away from the general picture.  Squint, to forget, for one moment, the intricate parts of the composition.  Squint, and take a few steps back, while you're at it.  How does the picture look, washed of all embellishments?  Squint harder.  Look at the shapes, look at the values, look at the form in its entirety.  In what direction do your eyes travel?  Do they move in straight lines?  In curves?  In circles?  Do they dance about? Can you hear the music?  No? Ah, there is silence.  There is stillness.  There is potential.  Squint harder.  See how the picture shivers?  It struggles to remain as it is.  Squint harder, squint harder.  Until it disappears altogether.  Keep your eyes closed, and wait for an image to burn through the heavy curtains.