This is one of Claude Monet's famous "Haystack" studies. "The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. If you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent rendering of a [hay stack]." (David A. Bednar, Ensign, Nov 2009) Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting with light and shadow.
Each time you practice daily - thoughtfully and with care; each time you count aloud and use the metronome; each time you try to play your pieces with feeling; each time you play a scale or a Hanon exercise; you are adding a brushstroke to your talent canvas. Each practice session may not seem to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes or paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant results. "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33). Consistency is the key.
