Among those who study painting,
some strive for an elaborate effect and others prefer the simple.
Neither complexity in itself nor simplicity is enough.
Some aim to be deft,
others to be laboriously careful.
Neither dexterity nor conscientiousness is enough.
Some set great value on method,
while others pride themselves on dispensing with method.
To be without method is deplorable,
but to depend entirely on method is worse.
You must first learn to observe the rules faithfully;
afterwards, modify them according to your intelligence and capacity.
The end of all method is to seem to have no method.
~Lu Ch’ai, The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting
