William Morris Hunt: An Aside

"Judge Lemuel Shaw," 1859
by William Morris Hunt

"Sometimes William Morris Hunt would throw aside his brushes, take a brisk walk, and drop into the studio of a friend, always sure of a hearty welcome. His ringing voice is easily recalled:--

'How d'ye do? What's the good word? Painting a portrait? Well, it is one of the hardest things in the world; takes the very life out of you. That's why I've run away from my own work. Bothers you? Let me sit there a moment. Good color, values all right; but it is a little 'out' in the movement. Take a plumb-line, hold it up fearlessly, and make your corrections with decision. Don't be afraid of it! 

Dare to put in a firm line, if you feel the need of it, and then work up to it. Don't get too anxious about the likeness! At the same time, you must get it! and you mustn't lose it! Queer old thing painting is; but we would rather die doing it, than live doing anything else. There! now go on with it, and if you find yourself going wrong, lay aside your palette and go off on the Common for a walk. Your sitter won't mind a respite, and you will both be fresher for the work. Good-bye: I'm going back now to my own painting, and it will go the better for my coming over here to scold you.'"

To be continued

(Excerpts from Helen Mary Knowlton's book "The Art-Life of William Morris Hunt.)