Edgar Degas: 'Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do.'

Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do.

Edgar Degas, a renowned French painter, once famously said, "Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do." This quote captures the essence of the paradoxical nature of artistic mastery. Initially, one might interpret Degas' words as a reflection of the beginner's luck that often accompanies those who venture into painting without any technical knowledge or understanding. However, beneath the surface lies a more profound underlying truth, one that delves into the complexities of expertise, perception, and the ever-elusive pursuit of artistic perfection.At its core, this quote speaks to the inherent challenge that artists face when they become knowledgeable about their craft. In the beginning stages of any artistic journey, there is a sense of freedom and uninhibited expression. As novices, artists are not burdened by the weight of technicalities and rules. Their strokes are spontaneous, their color choices instinctive, and their creations bold and unfiltered. Without the constraints of knowledge, they possess a certain level of fearlessness that allows them to produce work that captivates and surprises.However, as artists gain experience and proficiency, they become intimately acquainted with the complexities and technicalities of their chosen medium. The more they learn, the more they perceive the multitude of possibilities and choices that lay before them. This newfound awareness comes at a cost – the struggle to find balance between technical precision and the raw creative spirit that initially fueled their passion. Suddenly, the act of painting becomes layered with intricacies, as every stroke carries the weight of knowledge, every color choice bears the burden of meaning, and every composition resonates with the weight of endless possibilities.This quote by Degas raises questions about the nature of artistic creation itself. It compels us to reflect not only on the challenges artists face when seeking mastery, but also on the intertwining relationship between knowledge and creativity. Can true artistry be achieved without proficiency? Is it possible to strike a harmonious balance between technical prowess and uninhibited expression?In contemplating these questions, we stumble upon an unexpected philosophical concept – the Duality of Knowledge. Just as Degas asserts that painting becomes difficult when one knows how, we can extrapolate this understanding to various aspects of life. The more we learn and grow, the more we realize the vastness of our ignorance. As our intellectual horizons expand, so does our awareness of our limitations and the intricacies of our chosen fields. This duality of knowledge highlights the perpetual state of curiosity and self-discovery that accompanies expertise, be it in painting, science, or any other discipline.To possess knowledge, therefore, necessitates a constant exploration and refinement of our craft. Picasso once famously said, "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." It is this delicate balance between knowing and unlearning, between technique and instinct, which enables true artistry to flourish. The pursuit of mastery requires disciplined study and practice, but it also requires a willingness to let go and embrace the spontaneous, unbounded spirit that drew us to our craft in the beginning.In conclusion, Degas' quote reminds us that the journey of an artist, or any knowledge-seeking individual for that matter, is one rife with contradictions and challenges. The naivety of beginners allows for untamed creativity, while the knowledge of experts fuels a never-ending search for balance and perfection. By exploring the duality of knowledge, we come to appreciate the intricate dance between technical proficiency and uninhibited expression. Ultimately, it is in the delicate interplay between these two realms that true artistic greatness resides, forever reminding us that while the path may be difficult, the rewards of artistic mastery are immeasurable.