Sergei Bongart Quotes & Sayings

First trust your eyes ... then check by rules. Many times something else is happening, and the rules will not apply. — Sergei Bongart

Never become an artist if you can't learn to draw. — Sergei Bongart

Once you set out to copy another painter you can never be more than number two. — Sergei Bongart

Art is more than a product of your efforts - it should be about feeling, life, attitude, soul. — Sergei Bongart

Train yourself: It is not by accident an artist becomes a good painter. — Sergei Bongart

All students need to know about color is the basic color wheel and complimentary colors. There are many books on color theory; do not waste your time and money. — Sergei Bongart

Watercolor is like life. Better get it right the first time
you don't get a second chance! — Sergei Bongart

Always keep your best work. — Sergei Bongart

Learn technique; have full command to the extent of not being conscious of how it is done. When craftsmanship has been developed, you are free to create ... technique will give way to expression! — Sergei Bongart

Contrast warm to cool. Make color sing, ring like a bell. Work from big to small. — Sergei Bongart

Practice like good musician; draw every day. — Sergei Bongart

Most important ... develop your technical ability. You are handicapped if you do not develop well enough to hold the subconscious process so as not to have problems of inexperienced painters ... — Sergei Bongart

The less inhibited you are the better. — Sergei Bongart

There is no one just like you, and there never will be anyone just like you, so there's no reason not to be original. — Sergei Bongart

If you paint from 35mm Kodachrome, you end up with a 4x5 foot Kodachrome! — Sergei Bongart

The most horrible question students ask: 'How do you paint copper?' 'How do you paint flesh or glass?' You paint everything the same way: Right color, right value, in right spot. There are no prescriptions. — Sergei Bongart