A friend sent me a YouTube video for an art exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, devoted to the artist Raphael. It is one of the largest exhibitions of his work ever put on. It is exquisite. Watch the video.

Lots of paintings are on view but also, lots of drawings and rough sketches, showing the evolution of Rafael as an artist. I found that part of the video fascinating. Actually, I found the whole thing fascinating. Raphael drew figures over and over and over before he painted them, trying out various poses, for example. It is a reminder that amateurs practice until they get something right. Professionals practice until they can’t get something wrong.

This is inspiration for writers as well.

Header: Eight Apostles by Raphael, 1514. National Gallery of Art, DC public domain.