Jay Zuck's Sketch of the Day

“I do not paint a portrait to look like the subject, rather does the person grow to look like his portrait.” ~ Salvador Dalí

These words of Salvador Dali have always rung true to me.   While it is possible to make a a portrait that is simply photograph-like, I would argue that what Dali contends creates a more successful artistic work.  If the goal of art is simply to dutifully copy reality, then you might as well be a photographer.  Not that photography is not an art in itself nor that the skill to copy something precisely should be disregarded entirely, but a true artist should strive for more.  It is more important to capture the essence and you can quote me on that.