The Practice and Science of Drawing - Harold Speed

[dimitrovb]

"The best things in an artist's work are so much a matter of intuition,
that there is much to be said for the point of view that would
altogether discourage intellectual inquiry into artistic phenomena on
the part of the artist. Intuitions are shy things and apt to disappear
if looked into too closely. And there is undoubtedly a danger that too
much knowledge and training may supplant the natural intuitive feeling
of a student, leaving only a cold knowledge of the means of expression
in its place. For the artist, if he has the right stuff in him, has a
consciousness, in doing his best work, of something, as Ruskin has said,
"not in him but through him." He has been, as it were, but the agent
through which it has found expression."
~1913

Interesting enough for me, being in love with practical books of all types. Even though I am not good at drawing at all, I figure I would read this book if I wanted to learn something more. In this first paragraph I find the author's understanding of who the reader is and how to approach him. Also, as versatile a topic art is, I would read this book, because I think this beginning promises in-depth journey to the artist, not only the techniques he uses.

[sUpErUsEr]

I like what the author is trying to say, but it would be written better, so I rate this one a 4.

[Shahid]

Intuition is the beginning of all types of art. Whether you are writing or drawing the first step always involves intuition. Seems a typical first paragraph for a book on drawing. However, you can imagine the book is not going to be a technical or mechanical sort rather the writer would explain things for you as a master in the practice and science of drawing. A good start gets a Good.

[iceiscool]

I'm not a fan of this book, but after reading the paragraph you posted, I'm inclined to get curious and interested to read more. I'd give it a 4 out of 5.