Skip to content

If a new movement in art comes along be awake to it, study…

“If a new movement in art comes along be awake to it, study it, but don’t belong to it. Have a personal humor about things. You will never know your calibre until you have tried yourself. Avoid idle industry. Always leave out the padding. Be venturesome. Try new things that appeal to you. Examine…” quote by Robert Henri
Download Open image
““If a new movement in art comes along be awake to it, study it, but don’t belong to it. Have a personal humor about things. You will never know your calibre until you have tried yourself. Avoid idle industry. Always leave out the padding. Be venturesome. Try new things that appeal to you. Examine others. Have a pioneer spirit. Prevent your drawing from being common. Put life into it. The way to do this is to see the model, see that the model is great, wonderful—a human creature there before you in the tragedy and comedy of life—then draw.””

Robert Henri

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Artists should stay alert to new movements, study them, yet retain personal humor and originality, avoiding conformity and unnecessary embellishment.

In simple terms: Stay aware, study, keep humor, be original.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate unique style, avoid copying.

Themes

art originality humor innovation creativity

Mood

reflective inspirational encouraging

Type

advice philosophical creative.

When to use this quote

  • art school
  • personal projects
  • creative workshops
  • exhibitions
  • collaborations

Key Concepts

personal voice pioneer spirit authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you maintain originality amid trends?
  • What personal humor can you inject into your work?
A Different Perspective

May be difficult to balance influence with individuality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Robert Henri

Explore all 207 Robert Henri quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes