Art Quote by George Edward Woodberry
“Art does not, like science, set forth a permanent order of nature, the enduring skeleton of law. Two factors primarily determine its works: one is the idea in the mind of the artist, the other is his power of expression; and both these factors are extremely variable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Poetry, 1900
Art lacks fixed natural laws; its creation depends on the artist's ideas and expressive skill, both highly variable.
In simple terms: Art is shaped by ideas and expression, not fixed rules.
Key Takeaway
Focus on nurturing ideas and expressive ability.
Themes
creativity
expression
variability
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- painting
- writing
- music composition
- design
- performance
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can artists balance concept and technique?
- What practices improve expressive skill?
A Different Perspective
Even with strong ideas, execution may fail without discipline.
