In order for an artist to move through these various stages however,
it is necessary that he work constantly and diligently. Many who
call themselves artists, hardly ever paint, so their works may seem
to have a greater `consistency', more of a sense of `style'.
We are getting the idea, that in art, things are not often as they
seem.
"...
visual form, when permitted to grow undisturbed, moves from stage to
stage lawfully, and each stage has its own justification, its own
capacities for expression, its own beauty. Since these early stages
depend on one another and lay the foundation for any mature
achievement, they must be worked through unhurriedly. This is true
not only for children but for any developing artist. `An artist does
not skip steps', said Jean Cocteau; if he does, it is waste of time
because he has to climb them later." (50)
Rudolf Arnheim
"... to become a good painter one must pass many periods, and
what one makes in the meantime will not be entirely bad if one tries
one's utmost.." (51)
Vincent Van Gogh
49. Rudolf Arnheim, Toward a Psychology of Art, (Berkeley and L.A.,
Cal., University of California Press, 1966), p.225
50. Rudolf Arnheim, Art and Visual Perception, The New Version
(Berkeley and L.A., Cal., University of California Press, 1974),
p.p. 203, 204
51. Irving Stone, Dear Theo, (N.Y., New American Library Inc.,1937),
p. 223
