--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When an artist begins to count strokes…" description: "\"When an artist begins to count strokes instead of regarding nature he is lost. This preoccupation with technique, at the expense of truth and sincerity..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05e/joaquin-sorolla-31054_art_when-an-artist-begins-to-count-strokes-i_1923100.png" --- # When an artist begins to count strokes instead of… ![“When an artist begins to count strokes instead of regarding nature he is lost. This preoccupation with technique, at the expense of truth and sincerity, is the principal fault I find in much of the work of modern painters.” quote by Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05e/joaquin-sorolla-31054_art_when-an-artist-begins-to-count-strokes-i_1923100.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05e/joaquin-sorolla-31054_art_when-an-artist-begins-to-count-strokes-i_1923100.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/05e/joaquin-sorolla-31054_art_when-an-artist-begins-to-count-strokes-i_1923100.png) > “When an artist begins to count strokes instead of regarding nature he is lost. This preoccupation with technique, at the expense of truth and sincerity, is the principal fault I find in much of the work of modern painters.” [Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-sorolla/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Argues that focusing on technique over authentic connection to nature leads to loss of artistic truth and sincerity. **In simple terms:** Artists should prioritize truth and feeling over technical perfection. Key Takeaway Prioritize authenticity in art. Themes art technique truth nature sincerity Mood thoughtful inspirational reflective Type philosophical artistic When to use this quote - painting workshops - art education - creative practice - exhibition curation Key Concepts aesthetic philosophy creative integrity visual perception Questions to Reflect On - How can artists balance technique with authenticity? - What practices nurture sincere artistic expression? A Different Perspective Technical skill is still valuable; balance is needed. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Painter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painter/) [Painters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painters/) [Painting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painting/) [Sincerity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sincerity/) [Technique](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technique/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [Today painters do not have to go to a subject matter outside of themselves. Most modern painters work from a different source. 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Creativity takes courage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henri-matisse/the-artist-begins-with-a-vision-a-creative-operation-requiring-effort/) [Henri Matisse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henri-matisse/) ## More by Joaquin Sorolla > [I do not care to paint portraits indoors. I cannot feel sympathetic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-sorolla/i-do-not-care-to-paint-portraits-indoors-i-cannot-feel-sympathetic/) [Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-sorolla/) > [My only ambition was to create an honest picture that would interpret nature as she really is, as she ought to be seen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-sorolla/my-only-ambition-was-to-create-an-honest-picture-that-would-interpret/) [Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-sorolla/) > [How long did it take me to delimit this art? Twenty years! ... It was a laborious process, but a methodical and rational one;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-sorolla/how-long-did-it-take-me-to-delimit-this-art-twenty-years-it-was-a/) [Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-sorolla/) > [The older I become, the more I realize that drawing is the most important of all the problems of picture-making.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-sorolla/the-older-i-become-the-more-i-realize-that-drawing-is-the-most/) [Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-sorolla/) > [All inspired painters are impressionists, even though it be true that some impressionists are not inspired.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joaquin-sorolla/all-inspired-painters-are-impressionists-even-though-it-be-true-that/) [Joaquin Sorolla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joaquin-sorolla/) > [Go to nature with no parti pris. You should not know what your picture is to look like until it is done. 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