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Art Quote by Ruth Whitman

“In every art beginners must start with models of those who have practiced the same art before them. And it is not only a matter of looking at the drawings, paintings, musical compositions, and poems that have been and are being created; it is a matter of being drawn into the individual work of…” quote by Ruth Whitman
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“In every art beginners must start with models of those who have practiced the same art before them. And it is not only a matter of looking at the drawings, paintings, musical compositions, and poems that have been and are being created; it is a matter of being drawn into the individual work of art, of realizing that it has been made by a real human being, and trying to discover the secret of its creation.”

Ruth Whitman

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Role of Models in Art, 1975

Artists learn by studying works of masters, immersing themselves to uncover the creative process behind each piece.

In simple terms: Study masters to learn art.

Key Takeaway

Learn from artistic masters.

Themes

art learning creativity

Mood

inquisitive encouraging

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • art school
  • self‑study
  • workshops
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

art history skill acquisition inspiration

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance imitation and innovation?
  • What techniques help internalize a master’s method?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on models may stifle original voice.

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