Artist Quote by Nelson Shanks
“I almost never do drawings, because I have found over the years that doing something in one medium and translating into another doesn't work. I like to conceive a painting in real scale and in color.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art magazine feature, 1998
He believes that translating work across mediums often fails, preferring to create directly in the intended form for authenticity.
In simple terms: Cross‑medium translation can dilute art.
Create in the medium you intend to present.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- painting
- sculpture
- digital art
- teaching art
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it beneficial to adapt work across media?
- How does medium choice affect artistic expression?
Some projects benefit from interdisciplinary approaches; flexibility can inspire innovation.