Never, never do I set to work on a canvas in the state it…
“Never, never do I set to work on a canvas in the state it comes in from the shop. I provoke accidents - a form, a splotch of color. Any accident is good enough. I let the matiere decide. Then I prepare a ground by, for example, wiping my brushes on the canvas. Letting fall some drops of turpentine on it would do just as well. If I want to make a drawing I crumple the sheet of paper or I wet it; the flowing water traces a line and this line may suggest what is to come next.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Miró emphasizes embracing chance and letting material guide the creative process rather than imposing strict control.
In simple terms: Use accidents and material properties to inspire art.
Key Takeaway
Allow randomness to shape your work.
Themes
creativity
process
chance
material
spontaneity
Mood
playful
exploratory
Type
artistic
process
When to use this quote
- painting
- drawing
- experimental art
- studio practice
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
artistic improvisation
material agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance intentionality with spontaneity?
- What materials could you experiment with to spark new ideas?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on accidents may lead to lack of direction or coherence.