---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They’re all daubers, today’s painters…"
description: "\"“They’re all daubers, today’s painters; they’ve completely lost touch with the classical tradition, the subtle, noble craft of the old masters. They mu..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed8/stefan-hertmans-33939_painters_they-re-all-daubers-today-s-painters-the_1255346.jpg"
---

#  They’re all daubers, today’s painters; they’ve completely…

![“They’re all daubers, today’s painters; they’ve completely lost touch with the classical tradition, the subtle, noble craft of the old masters. They muddle along with no respect for the laws of anatomy, don’t even know how to glaze, never mix their own paint, use turpentine like water, and are…” quote by Stefan Hertmans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed8/stefan-hertmans-33939_painters_they-re-all-daubers-today-s-painters-the_1255346.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed8/stefan-hertmans-33939_painters_they-re-all-daubers-today-s-painters-the_1255346.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed8/stefan-hertmans-33939_painters_they-re-all-daubers-today-s-painters-the_1255346.jpg)

> ““They’re all daubers, today’s painters; they’ve completely lost touch with the classical tradition, the subtle, noble craft of the old masters. They muddle along with no respect for the laws of anatomy, don’t even know how to glaze, never mix their own paint, use turpentine like water, and are ignorant of the secrets of grinding your own pigments, of fine linseed oil and the blowing of siccatives—no wonder there are no more great painters.””

Stefan Hertmans

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote criticizes modern painters for abandoning classical techniques and craftsmanship, leading to a decline in artistic quality.

**In simple terms:** Modern painters neglect traditional skills, causing poorer art.

Key Takeaway

Study and respect classical methods.

Themes

art criticism tradition craftsmanship

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

- art education
- museum curation
- studio practice
- artist mentorship

Key Concepts

technique historical knowledge material science

Questions to Reflect On

- How can artists blend old techniques with modern expression?
- What role does material knowledge play in artistic mastery?

A Different Perspective

Neglecting innovation can also stifle growth; balance tradition with new ideas.

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[Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Painters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painters/) [Painting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painting/)

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