"The painter's obsession with his subject is all that he needs to drive him to work"

Lucian Freud's quote, "The painter's obsession with his topic is all that he requires to drive him to work," encapsulates the extensive and particular focus that artists often have toward their craft. This statement suggests that a deep, intrinsic fascination with the topic is the primary encouraging force behind an artist's commitment and productivity. Freud, well known for his intense and frequently intimate portraits, suggests that the core of creative production stems not from external impacts or obligations but from an internal, almost insatiable yearning to explore and represent the topic.

Making use of the word "fixation" is especially telling. It suggests a level of enthusiasm that goes beyond casual interest or expert commitment. Obsession involves a perseverance of thought and a consuming interest that compels the artist to go back to their work repeatedly. This drive is not merely casual interest; it is a compelling necessity that propels the artist into action, ensuring that they persist through difficulties and dig deeper into the nuances of their topic.

The relationship explained by Freud between the artist and their topic can be likened to a dialogue where the subject continually reveals layers of complexity and mystery. Each painting becomes a journey of expedition, where the artist seeks to capture not just the physical appearance but the essence and character of the topic. This procedure needs more than technical skill; it demands an unyielding interest and a commitment to understanding varied aspects of the topic.

Additionally, Freud's insight recommends that the real satisfaction for an artist originates from this engagement with their subject. External recognition, commercial success, or popularity, while perhaps useful, are secondary to the artist's intrinsic motivation. The sheer act of engaging with their fixation, of pursuing an understanding of the subject through their art, is the ultimate reward. This point of view elevates the innovative procedure into a necessary, all-consuming venture where the artist's inmost impulses and enthusiasms discover expression and fulfillment.