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About this quote

What does it mean?
Facing nature with broad strokes requires courage, while focusing on details is cowardly.
In plain terms
Attack art boldly with big lines instead of hiding in tiny details.
What can you take from it?
Be bold with your artistic choices.

Where it applies

  • making decisions
  • creative work
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • Use broad strokes
  • Avoid over-detailing
  • Take risks

Questions to consider

  • Are you hiding in details?
  • What bold move can you make?

Another view

Details can sometimes be necessary for the work to succeed.

More from Edgar Degas

  1. Painting is not very difficult when you don't know how; but when you know, oh! then, it's another matter.

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. Everybody has talent at twenty-five. The difficult thing is to have it at fifty.

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. Be sure to give the same expression to a person's face that you give to his body.

    Permalink to quote #38

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