What Learning to Paint and Reading The Elements of Style Have in Common

The author expresses admiration for painters' ability to communicate ideas without relying on written or spoken language.

This admiration led the author to consider abandoning writing in favor of painting during a challenging period in their life.

The motivation stems from the perceived freedom and immediacy of visual expression, which contrasts with the constraints of written communication.

The author does not explicitly state the nature of the difficulties faced but implies that writing felt restrictive or inadequate in that context.

The shift toward painting represents an attempt to explore alternative forms of self-expression, suggesting that the author viewed visual art as a more flexible or liberating medium for conveying thoughts and emotions.