Paint the flying spirit of the bird rather than its feathers.
Robert HenriRead
Know what the old masters did. Know how they composed their pictures, but do not fall into the conventions they established. These conventions were right for them, and they are wonderful. They made their language. You make yours. All the past can help you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of learning from past masters while encouraging individual creativity.
In this quote, Robert Henri advocates for artists to study the techniques and styles of previous masters in order to learn and grow. However, he also stresses the significance of developing one's unique voice and approach, suggesting that while conventions can provide a solid foundation, true artistry comes from personal expression and innovation beyond established norms.
Themes
ArtCreativityIndividualityMasteryExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In an art class, when discussing the importance of style, a teacher might quote this to inspire students.
More from Robert Henri
All quotes βThe sketch hunter moves through life as he finds it, not passing negligently the things he loves, but stopping to know them, and to note them down in the shorthand of his sketchbook.
Robert HenriRead
You form a society: that limits you. Adopt a name, and you've limited yourself again; draw up a constitution and bylaws and you've made a groove, a rut, that hampers your growth. You think you can fix your course and move straight along it. But sometimes the important thing is to strike out sidewise.
Robert HenriRead
After all, the goal is not making art. It is living a life. Those who live their lives will leave the stuff that is really art.
Robert HenriRead
Do not let the fact that things are not made for you, that conditions are not as they should be stop you. Go on anyway. Everything depends on those who go on anyway.
Robert HenriRead
Drawing is not following a line on the model, it is drawing your sense of the thing.
Robert HenriRead
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When I discovered the lyric poem, that advanced not by narrative steps but by blocks and layers of imagery, I said, 'Gee, I probably could do that. So let me try that.'
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