Aphorisms for Artists by Walter Darby Bannard

Aphorism #96

Seeing the real thing is the real thing.

95% of the art we see is seen in reproduction. This is how the art business is conducted. Most characteristics are visible in the reproduction, but subtlety, surface and scale are lost. Much good work looks terrible reduced on paper and much bad work looks way better than it should. The advantage goes to the bad stuff.

Art is there for nourishment, not efficiency. Would you go to a restaurant that served menus and no food?

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