When I paint green, it doesn't mean grass; when I paint blue, it doesn't mean sky.
Henri MatisseRead
Try to distill the character of your subject. Understand how he moves, thinks, acts. It's difficult to put into words. Consider each drawing as a problem that did not exist before, and then try to solve that problem to the best of your ability. That i what caricature is all about
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the essence of a subject in artistic representation.
Al Hirschfeld highlights the challenge and complexity of capturing a subject's character through caricature. By considering each drawing as a unique problem, the artist is encouraged to deeply observe and interpret the nuances of movement, thought, and action, ultimately aiming to convey a distinct and recognizable likeness that transcends mere portraiture.
Themes
CharacterCaricatureArtObservationRepresentationProblem-Solving
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in an art class to encourage students to explore their subjects more deeply.
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