Art has always been a facet of who I am. From the first moment I picked up a pencil and scribbled something other than my name, art became a part of me. Art has helped me develop my creativity. Art has helped me build my confidence. Art has shown me an endless canvas of unlimited possibilities.

When I was a child, art allowed me to express my thoughts that were too complex to convey through words. It brought focus and simplified concepts I had conceived. Art took those thoughts and brought them to life in a visible and tangible form. For being a child, art provided this powerful tool which aided in my communication.

Art helped me develop my creativity. It allowed me to see outside the box. Any predisposed thoughts or notions I may have had – art always challenged them. It made me realize that things were not always linear and that there were always other options. A heightened sense of curiosity and exploration would never have been unlocked if it were not for art.

Art helped me build my confidence. It exposed my vulnerabilities, yet ignited my ambition. It guided me to understanding my strengths and how to build upon them.

Art was never just about a pencil, a brush, a canvas, or a blank sheet of paper. It was about going beyond my potential, reaching for more, and being the best I could be.

Art gave me that, and will always continue to do so.

Louis Bernal has been an artist for Young Rembrandts since 2008. 

Bette Fetter Founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts and Author of Being Visual [email protected] Follow Bette on Twitter