Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
He who pretends to be either painter or engraver without being a master of drawing is an imposter.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To claim skill in art without mastering the fundamentals is to deceive others.
This quote by William Blake emphasizes the importance of mastering the foundational skills, specifically drawing, before claiming to be a true artist, whether as a painter or an engraver. It critiques those who present themselves as artists without having the necessary skills, suggesting that authenticity in art comes from genuine mastery of its basic components.
Themes
ArtMasteryDrawingImposterCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is a perfect reminder for an art class discussing the importance of fundamentals.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
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Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
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As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
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He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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