My household is blessed this summer, to have art-talk happening a lot. Dd's classmates come through often, because they carpool, or need to borrow each other's supplies, or want company to go to the art store, some advice. As they chat, you can tell that they've learned principles of the Masters - balance, contrast, proportion - and also new facts about cutting-edge artists who create in surprising mediums or with new technology.
Sometimes they quote. There's one artist from whom I hear the most quotes, and about whom I hear the most admiration, hands down. I'm not sure he is on their tests. But they buy his calendars. They wear tee-shirts with his image - wear them until they are worn out. They talk about him as though he is their own instructor, no matter what kind of art they like. Him, they have truly studied.
Here is some of his wisdom. Can you guess?
“Now then, let's come right down in here and put some nice big strong arms on these trees. Tree needs an arm too. It'll hold up the weight of the forest. Little bird has to have a place to set there. There he goes...”
“I guess I’m a little weird. I like to talk to trees and animals. That’s okay though; I have more fun than most people.”
“Look around. Look at what we have. Beauty is everywhere—you only have to look to see it.”
“They say everything looks better with odd numbers of things. But sometimes I put even numbers—just to upset the critics."
“We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”
Thanks, PBS. You did good.