Whatever Trips You Make, You Must Still

While I Recommend Studying The Art From Artists, Nature Is And Must Be The Fountain Which Alone Is Inexhaustible, And From Which All Excellences Must Originally Flow.

The Young Mind Is Pliable And Imitates, But In More Advanced States Grows Rigid And Must Be Warmed And Softened Before It Will Receive A Deep Impression.

I Do Not See In What Manner Practice Alone Can Be Sufficient For The Production Of Correct, Excellent, And Finished Pictures. Works Deserving This Character Never Were Produced, Nor Ever Will Arise, From Memory Alone.

I Am Convinced That This Is The Only Means Of Advancing Science, Of Clearing The Mind From A Confused Heap Of Contradictory Observations, That Do But Perplex And Puzzle The Student, When He Compares Them, Or Misguide Him If He Gives Himself Up To Their Authority; But Bringing Them Under One General Head, Can Alone Give Rest And Satisfaction To An Inquisitive Mind.

A Mere Copier Of Nature Can Never Produce Anything Great.