Hard features every bungler can command:
To draw true beauty shows a master's hand.

Hard features every bungler can command:
To draw true beauty shows a master's hand.

Vain is the hope by colouring to display
The bright effulgence of the noontide ray
Or paint read more

Vain is the hope by colouring to display
The bright effulgence of the noontide ray
Or paint the full-orb'd ruler of the skies
With pencils dipt in dull terrestrial dyes.

Pictures must not be too picturesque.

Pictures must not be too picturesque.

I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.

I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.

A flattering painter, who made it his care
To draw men as they ought to be, not as they read more

A flattering painter, who made it his care
To draw men as they ought to be, not as they are.

One picture in ten thousand, perhaps, ought to live in the
applause of mankind, from generation to generation until read more

One picture in ten thousand, perhaps, ought to live in the
applause of mankind, from generation to generation until the
colors fade and blacken out of sight or the canvas rot entirely
away.

Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?

Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?

A picture is a poem without words.

A picture is a poem without words.

I only feel, but want the power to paint.
[Lat., Nequeo monstrare et sentio tantum.]

I only feel, but want the power to paint.
[Lat., Nequeo monstrare et sentio tantum.]