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Start with the foreground. Compositions fail when the foreground is treated as an afterthought.

Robert Genn

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Robert Genn
Age: 78 †
Born: 1936
Born: May 15
Died: 2014
Died: May 27
Artist
Robert Douglas Genn
Start
Afterthought
Compositions
Foreground
Composition
Treated
Fail
Failing

More quotes by Robert Genn

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I do know, for most of us, the very best of times are when you're in your own space sweating, trying to squeeze quality out of imperfect capabilities.
Robert Genn
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One compositional element suggests and asks for another. This is what makes the activity interesting.
Robert Genn
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You're right, super-realism is back in style.
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A list of your own making is the most powerful list of all... The good stuff can be 'love at first sight' - in need of study, courting and claiming. And like a love note, it's nice to have things in writing.
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Don't assume there is only one way. Don't assume that mistakes are a bad thing. Don't think for one minute that everyone agrees with what 'good' is.
Robert Genn
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A painting has an intrinsic value which has nothing to do with critical assessments.
Robert Genn
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Pushing yourself to extremes blows out the cobwebs of trusted habit. It shakes up what you know to be reliably safe and substitutes the miracle of insecurity.
Robert Genn
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An early flourish of confidence is useful. Then there's the small crudities - the slubs and bumps that come with outdoor work - the odd charm of imprecision.
Robert Genn
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Painters paint, and history continues to make fools of curators.
Robert Genn
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The short-goal habit is key to larger success and is at the root of human greatness. Life is think and do, think and do, think and do. Small steps can be greater than great leaps.
Robert Genn
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A simple equation for the production of successful art work is lots of reference material plus lots of art supplies equals lots of painting happiness.
Robert Genn
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No matter what your disciplines, you need your own personal lists.
Robert Genn
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Art is a form of love. Art is the ultimate gift. Art heals life.
Robert Genn
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Exploit a subject or a theme to its greatest potential by bringing all possible reference to bear - then put aside the reference and create again using the potential of your unfettered imagination.
Robert Genn
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Visual tonics such as 'timed creativity' need to be introduced to refresh and refurbish the muse.
Robert Genn
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The job of art is to turn time into things.
Robert Genn
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I have always found it a testament to the importance of painting that the first thing many people do when their home is on fire is to grab their paintings and then run out.
Robert Genn
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The painting world is awash with people who cannot paint. This is a condition that would not be tolerated in other professions such as Dentistry, Medicine, or among members of the Airline Pilot's Association.
Robert Genn
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The pursuit of art is a delicate balance between influence and self-assertiveness. As self-realized artists, we all have different levels of tolerance for this mystery. Influence is like Scotch it's good to know your personal limit.
Robert Genn
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Waiting for inspiration is for amateurs professionals get to work.
Robert Genn