In writing upon any matter of experience, such as art, the possibilities of
misunderstanding are enormous, and one shudders to think of the things that
may be put down to one's credit, owing to such misunderstandings. It is like
writing about the taste of sugar, you are only likely to be understood by those
who have already experienced the flavour; by those who have not, the wildest
interpretation will be put upon your words. The written word is necessarily
confined to the things of the understanding because only the understanding
has written language; whereas art deals with ideas of a different mental texture,
which words can only vaguely suggest. However, there are a large number of
people who, although they cannot viibe said to have experienced in a full sense
any works of art, have undoubtedly the impelling desire which a little direction
may lead on to a fuller appreciation. And it is to such that books on art are
useful. So that although this book is primarily addressed to working students, it
is hoped that it may be of interest to that increasing number of people who,
tired with the rush and struggle of modern existence, seek refreshment in
artistic things. To many such in this country modern art is still a closed book;
its point of view is so different from that of the art they have been brought up
with, that they refuse to have anything to do with it. Whereas, if they only took
the trouble to find out something of the point of view of the modern artist, they
would discover new beauties they little suspected.