I'm thinking that a good philosophy of life should be "Simplify". There are always things to make life more complex.
Details to work out. Fine points, rough edges, "i"s to dot, "t"s to cross. Why go looking for the complex? It will show up at the door anyway. I tell my workshop artists to leave out the details as they begin their paintings. And avoid getting distracted by details as the painting progresses. A subject for a painting can seem so complex that it feels impossible if one looks at all the details in the scene. But if we "simplify" the shapes, colors, and values the thing becomes do-able. Another reason I like to avoid those complex details in the beginning and middle is that it is not unheard of for me to place something in a spot that later turns out to be not the right spot. Yes it's true! And if I have put in a lot of time and effort on details in a area that needs relocation do you know what will happen? I've seen it happen time and again. The "details" won't let me move them! I will try to re-arrange the rest of the painting to avoid messing with those precious "details". I tell you "details" can be rude and bossy. Wait until the very last to invite the details in. Keep It Simple Stupid.someone told me. So, my advice for today is "Simplify".