DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43161#0014
6
This inattention is generally imbibed at the commencement of instruction, by
yielding to that carelessness which hurries onward, but always the wrong way, and
unless vigorously and perseveringly resisted, will become a habit, and throw the
student irrecoverably out of his road. The eye and the hand must submit to
strict discipline ; it is one thing to draw, and another to draw accurately.
Rapidity of execution, or, the dashing off a picture in a short time, cannot
be designated other than a specious delusive dexterity; a fruitful source of
mischief, which commonly runs either into carelessness or degenerates into man-
nerism, and unless resolutely abandoned, must lead to the fatal and inevitable
results of bad taste and bad drawing, uncorrected mistakes, and settled
defects. Every touch of the pencil should have its intent and meaning; and if
the artist, from trick or carelessness, insert strokes not significant to his own
mind, they never will be intelligible, much less beautiful, or satisfactory to others.
It were invidious to point out instances of this most unjustly applauded practice;
but it is assuredly one against which the young artist cannot be too often, nor too
strictly cautioned. It is especially to be avoided, because boldness and freedom
seldom fail to attract, and are often thought identical with genius.
Rapidity may be, and is desirable, but only when it results from the
confidence of knowledge, and is united with correctness. Let it also be remem-
bered, that a comparison of rapid productions, with any effort of pains-taking
talent, will assuredly determine their condemnation. Those who are thus
ambitious, and seek to attract the gaze of the world — daring to overturn
received principles by means of such extravagant practice, cannot secure to
themselves more than a short-lived reputation. Their productions may appear,
to the uneducated, new and striking, and a few followers may subscribe to their
notions ; but it is departing from the great beaten track to travel in a way the
This inattention is generally imbibed at the commencement of instruction, by
yielding to that carelessness which hurries onward, but always the wrong way, and
unless vigorously and perseveringly resisted, will become a habit, and throw the
student irrecoverably out of his road. The eye and the hand must submit to
strict discipline ; it is one thing to draw, and another to draw accurately.
Rapidity of execution, or, the dashing off a picture in a short time, cannot
be designated other than a specious delusive dexterity; a fruitful source of
mischief, which commonly runs either into carelessness or degenerates into man-
nerism, and unless resolutely abandoned, must lead to the fatal and inevitable
results of bad taste and bad drawing, uncorrected mistakes, and settled
defects. Every touch of the pencil should have its intent and meaning; and if
the artist, from trick or carelessness, insert strokes not significant to his own
mind, they never will be intelligible, much less beautiful, or satisfactory to others.
It were invidious to point out instances of this most unjustly applauded practice;
but it is assuredly one against which the young artist cannot be too often, nor too
strictly cautioned. It is especially to be avoided, because boldness and freedom
seldom fail to attract, and are often thought identical with genius.
Rapidity may be, and is desirable, but only when it results from the
confidence of knowledge, and is united with correctness. Let it also be remem-
bered, that a comparison of rapid productions, with any effort of pains-taking
talent, will assuredly determine their condemnation. Those who are thus
ambitious, and seek to attract the gaze of the world — daring to overturn
received principles by means of such extravagant practice, cannot secure to
themselves more than a short-lived reputation. Their productions may appear,
to the uneducated, new and striking, and a few followers may subscribe to their
notions ; but it is departing from the great beaten track to travel in a way the