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About this quote

What does it mean?
Art simplifies natural motifs like wind and water into color and lines.
In plain terms
Nature is simplified in art to color and lines like music simplifies sound.
What can you take from it?
Art reduces complex reality to essential elements.

Where it applies

  • artistic process
  • art analysis
  • inspiration

Putting it to work

  • abstract art practice
  • studying composition

Questions to consider

  • What elements do you simplify in your work?
  • How is art like music?

Another view

Not all art seeks to simplify nature.

More from Arthur Dove

  1. You get to the point where you can feel a certain sensation of light.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. There's no such thing as abstraction, it is extraction, gravitation and minding your own business.

    Permalink to quote #3

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