Skill is the ability to overcome obstacles, the first of which is usually lack of knowledge about the thing we wish to do. Skill is the result of trying again and again, applying our ability and proving our knowledge as we gain it.

Since the knowledge is available, why try to struggle along without it? The difficulties of not knowing are always much greater than the effort of learning.

As a student I thought there was a formula of some kind that I would get hold of somewhere, and thereby become and artist. There is a formula, but it has not been in books. It is really plain old courage, standing on one’s own feet, and forever seeking enlightenment; courage to develop your way, but learning from the other fellow; experimentation with your own ideas, observing for yourself, a rigid discipline of doing over that which you can improve.

A head is not drawn until you can feel the unseen side.

Art without color would lose much of its purpose.

To learn to draw is to draw and draw and draw.

Observation and study are necessary to achieve mastery of light and form.

To any man who has slaved to acquire skill in his art, it is most irritating to have his ability referred to as a “gift.”

The difficulties of not knowing are always much greater than the effort of learning.

There’s only one way to assure consistently good work. That is consistently thorough preparation.