From a slight, undetermined drawing, where the ideas of the composition and character are just touched upon, the imagination supplies more than the painter himself, probably, could produce. And we accordingly often find that the finished work disappoints the expectation… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
Every art, like our own, has in its composition fluctuating as well as fixed principles. It is an attentive inquiry into their difference that will enable us to determine how far we are influenced by custom and habit, and what… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
Words should be employed as the means, not the end; language is the instrument, conviction is the work. — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
Grandeur of effect is produced by two different ways which seem entirely opposed to each other. One is by reducing the colors to little… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
And he who does not know himself does not know others, so it may be said with equal truth, that he who does not… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
If you have great talents, industry will improve them: if you have but moderate abilities, industry will supply their deficiency. — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
The general ideas which are expressed in sketches, correspond very well to the art often used in poetry... every reader making out the detail… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
All the gestures of children are graceful; the reign of distortion and unnatural attitudes commences with the introduction of the dancing master. — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
Our studies will be forever, in a very great degree, under the direction of chance; like travelers, we must take what we can get,… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
Style in painting is the same as in writing; a power over materials, whether words or colors, by which conceptions or sentiments are conveyed. — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
The distinct blue, red, and yellow colors... though they have not the kind of harmony which is produced by a variety of broken and… — Joshua Reynolds Copy Share Image
