I t goes without saying that it is absolutely necessary for a print-artist to be able to draw and paint well. In addition he must be able to analyze, cut the blocks and print. Not every painter can become a good print-artist. Nor, though good at analysis, cutting, and printing, yet without the ability to draw and paint, can one be an efficient print-artist.
Analysis includes as well the ability to compose.
In trying to make a print the artist is often likely to allow his thoughts to wander. Even after all the blocks are made, he may not be sure of himself. Having no definite idea in mind, he is liable to try various colours on the blocks, or paste one colour on the dress of one figure and another colour on that of another, and thus try to get a chance result which will satisfy his artistic yearning. But that is not the right way to work. Such an artist may be likened to the skipper who sails out of a harbour without any fixed destination in mind.